LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



Cm \) 



Shelf 



♦ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A HELP 



FAMILY WORSHIP, 

9 

OR 

SHORT FORMS OF 

MOVING AHD EVENING PJjAYEfjS 

FOR FOUR WEEKS. 



PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, GRACE AT TABLE. 

CHILDREN'S MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS, 

AND MORNINC/AND EVENING HYMNS. 



COMPILED BY 



P/ANSTADT, D. D., 

EDITOR TEACHERS' JOURNAL, CHRISTIAN'S GUIDE, AUTHOR OF 

BIBLE WINE, COMMUNION ADDRESSES, ILLUSTRATED 

CATECHISM, ETC., ETC. 



YORK, PA. 

P. ANSTADT & SONS, **)~P H tf \ 

1894. 




/ 



<?U^ 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1894, by 

P. ANSTADT & SONS, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



The Library 
of Congress 

WASHINGTON 



Lc Control Number 




tmp96 027450 



PREFACE. 



These short Forms of Prayer are intended to be a help 
in conducting Family Worship. They are not designed to 
interfere with the free utterance of prayer by the heads of 
families in their own words. But it is well known that 
many pious christians are not well qualified to lead in public 
worship. Some are diffident, or have not had the proper 
mental training, and have not command of appropriate 
words to edify in social prayer. It is to such mainly, that 
this book is to be a help. 

We hope also it will be a means of introducing family 
worship in households, where it would, without this help, 
perhaps, have never been introduced. Besides this, even 
the most cultivated christian minds may obtain spiritual 
edification by the perusal of well prepared forms of 
prayer, where their exclusive use can be dispensed with in 
family worship. 

In providing these forms, therefore, we venture to ex- 
press the hope, that none will use them formally, slavishly, 
or exclusively. They are of necessity general in their terms, 
and cannot set forth special circumstances. Let such be 
added in his own words, as occasion may arise, by the per- 
son who conducts the worship. The various subjects of 
prayer and praise included here, gives full opportunity for 
introducing in their proper place and connection such spe- 
cial topics, as well as those petitions of a more general kind, 
which may from time to time be suggested to the mind. 

As a general rule, family prayer should be preceded 



IV. PREFACE. 

by the reading of Scripture. The singing of a hymn, either 
before or after the prayer, will help to promote devotional 
feelings, and make the daily family worship interesting and 
attractive to the children, as well as older members of the 
household. The passage of Scripture read will often sug- 
gest subjects of prayer. For these it is obviously impossi- 
ble to provide a form. In many cases the very words of 
Scripture, just read, may be turned into prayer. What can 
more fitly follow a promise than a prayer for its fulfillment? 
When a holy example has been set forth, it seems but right 
and natural to follow it. 

Let each person ask in silence beforehand for a col- 
lected mind, and for the spirit of prayer, " Lord, teach us to 
pray ! " Let this be the desire and prayer of each in kneel- 
ing before God. Nor let it ever be forgotten, that we have 
a great High Priest, through whom alone we have access 
to God, and that " the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities. ,, 

We lay no claim to originality in these Forms of 
Prayer. Some parts of them are of our own composing, 
but the most of them were arranged, rewritten, and com- 
piled from other works. 

York, 1894. P. ANSTADT. 



AFTER MORNING OR EVENING PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, 
as it is in heaven. Give us this day (or, day by day) our 
daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temp- 
tation ; but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, 
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 



SCRIPTURAL FORMS OF BLESSING. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of 
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all 
evermore. Amen. 

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of 
God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord : and the bless- 
ing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost, be amongst us, and remain with us always. Amen. 

The Lord bless us, and keep us ; the Lord make his 
face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord 
lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both 
now and evermore. Amen. 

The God of peace, that brought again from the dead 
our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through 
the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in 
every good work to do his will, working in us that which 
is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom 
be glory, forever and ever. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 

pwOUBTlvESS thou art our Father.— Isa. lxiii. 16. 

*^ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, 

and in you all. — Bph. iv. 6. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we thank thee for 
the light of this new Sabbath morning, which we have been 
permitted to see in so much favor and mercy. And now, 
as the natural sun has arisen and dispelled the darkness 
and spread the beautiful light of day over the earth, so let 
the light of thy countenance shine upon us. O, do thou 
enlighten us with wisdom from on high. May this day our 
faith be strengthened, may our hopes be brightened, may 
our hearts be warmed with love to God and man, may all 
our christian graces be renewed and strengthened 

We confess our unworthiness, our natural depravity 
and corruption, and our sins and shortcomings in practice. 
Lord, subdue within us whatever is contrary to thy mind 
and will. May our hearts become living temples and our 
lives living sacrifices. May we daily grow in the grace of 
God and in the knowledge of Christ 

For the sake of Jesus Christ, the Son of thy love, have 
thou mercy upon us miserable offenders. We bring the 
burden of daily transgression to the Lamb of God, who 
taketh away the sin of the world. In him receive us gra- 
ciously and love us freely. By a living faith in him may 
we be enabled to take up the song of the redeemed and 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 7 

pardoned, " Lord, we will praise thee ; though thou wast 
angry with us, thine anger is turned away and thou dost 
comfort us : Behold, God is our salvation ; we will trust 
and not be afraid ; for the Lord God is our strength and 
our song, he also is become our salvation/' 

Bless us as a family and a household. As we are 
bound together in earthly ties, do thou unite us also in the 
better bands of the everlasting covenant. Make us all par- 
takers of the resurrection life of thy people ; so that though 
death may sooner or later separate us here, we may meet 
in heaven, where there is no more separation. We com- 
mend all who are near and dear to us to thy sovereign care. 

We pray for the poor, the afflicted, the bereaved and 
the dying. O thou comforter of all those that are cast 
down, do thou heal their sorrows and bind up their wounds. 

We pray for those who shall this day minister in thy 
holy sanctuary. Give them an unction from the Holy 
Ghost. May every impression of thy word be rendered 
permanent and saving. May we be in the Spirit on the 
Lord's day and pitch our tents near the gate of heaven. 
And when we shall no longer worship thee in temples here 
on earth, may we be received into that house not made with 
hands, whose builder and maker is God, eternal in the heav- 
ens ; and thou, Father, Son and Holy Ghost shalt have all 
the praise, now and evermore. Amen. 



FIRST WEEK. 



SUNDAY EVENING. 



'Y/'OUR reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the 
* Highest : for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. — 
Luke vi. 35. 

Our Heavenly Father, we desire to close this Holy 
Sabbath day, in looking up to thee for a blessing. We thank 
thee for all the tokens of thy mercy which we have enjoyed 
this day. And now as the night has closed around us let 
thy banner over us be love. 

We bless and praise thee for thine unspeakable gift, the 
Son of thy love, to become our Redeemer. All our hope 
of salvation comes from him. We rejoice that Jesus is as 
willing as he is able " to save to the uttermost/' all who 
will come to God through him. Lord, we come, casting 
ourselves on the fulness of thy grace, in him. Sanctify us 
wholly, in body, soul and spirit. Subdue our wills, and 
bring them into entire obedience to thy most holy will. 
When called to the performance of any duty or the endur- 
ance of any trial, may we say from our hearts, " Lord, here 
am I. Thy will be done." O that thy love may be en- 
throned as the ruling passion of our souls, and thy glory 
the end of our being. Fulfill in our experience thine own 
gracious promise : " I will dwell in them, and walk with 
them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.' , 
We entreat thee graciously to forgive the many sins that 
have mingled in our efforts to serve thee. If we were to be 
judged even by our holiest services, we should stand con- 
demned. Look not on us as we are in ourselves, but look 
on the face of thine Anointed, thy Son Jesus Christ, who 
has made atonement for all our sins. We would cleave to 
him as our only Savior. Enable us to manifest the reality 
of our faith, by doing good works as the fruit of that living 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 9 

faith, and by a holy life and conversation. May thy love 
reign supreme within us. May we show by our pure lives 
and christian walk, that we have imbibed the spirit of 
Christ. Take these erring hearts, sanctify and seal them 
for thyself; make them thine ; thine only ; and thine 
wholly; and thine forever. Clothe us with the spotless 
righteousness of Christ. Let not the things of this world 
exclude from our minds and hearts the blessings of the 
world to come. May it be our great aim to advance in the 
divine life. May we ever hear thy voice saying, " Arise 
and depart ye, for this is not your rest ! " May our habitual 
response be — " We desire a better country, that is an 
heavenly." 

We pray for a world lying in wickedness. How long, 
O how long, shall the wicked triumph ! Save thy people 
and bless thine inheritance ; glorify thyself in the salvation 
of sinners. May the hands of thy ministering servants be 
made strong by the arm of the Almighty God of hosts. 

Do thou follow with thy rich blessing all the services 
of the sanctuary this day. May thy word be quick and 
powerful upon the hearts and consciences of the hearers. 
May the impressions made, not die away, but remain deep 
and lasting. 

We commit ourselves to thy care this night. Do thou 
watch over us during the unconscious hours of sleep. May 
we awake in the morning in thy favor ; so that every new 
day, being spent to thy glory, may find us better fitted for 
entering on the joys of thine everlasting kingdom ; through 
Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. 



10 FIRST WEEK. 



MONDAY MORNING. 



A ND I looked, and, lo, a Iyamb stood on the mount Sion, and with 
** him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's 
name written in their foreheads. — Rev. xiv. i. 



Lord, thou art the King of kings and Lord of lords. 
Angels *and archangels adore thee, seraphim and cherubim 
veil their faces in thy presence, and cry out, holy, holy, holy 
is the Lord of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of his glory. 
We who are also the creatures of thy hand and the pension- 
ers on thy bounty, would unite with saints and angels in 
this thrice holy that resounds before thy throne. Thou 
hast endowed us with rational minds and immortal souls, 
and thou hast sent thy Son into the world to redeem us 
from sin and eternal death and make us eternally and un- 
speakably happy. Blessed be thy name that though thou 
art the greatest of all beings, thou dost stoop to hear our 
prayers and listen to our wants. 

Blessed Savior, thou art waiting to be gracious. All 
the mighty load of our guilt we would transfer to thee, our 
adorable surety. Thou hast already satisfied the require- 
ments of a righteous law. As our kinsman and elder 
brother thou art now within the veil; as willing as thou 
ever wast to save unto the uttermost. 

O God, let it be our constant aim to know what thy 
will is ; and may we have strength given us to obey it. 
May we cheerfully submit to all the dispensations of thy 
Providence ; whether it be joy or sorrow, prosperity or ad- 
versity, health or sickness, life or death, and be enabled 
from our hearts to say, " Thy will be done," assured that 
thy will is the best for us. Fill our hearts with love to thee, 



FAMILY PRAYERS. II 

and enable us to profess, " Lord, thou knowest all things, 
thou knowest that we love thee." 

God of Bethel, dwell in this household ; make every 
member of it a member of the household of faith. Bless all 
our friends. Those who are absent, Lord, be near them. 
Those that are in distress, Lord, comfort them. Those who 
know thee not, Lord, reveal thyself to them. Those who 
are thy children, do thou increase their devotedness. 

Prosper thy cause and kingdom everywhere. Let Sa- 
tan's kingdom be destroyed — the kingdom of grace ad- 
vanced — the kingdom of glory hastened. 

We come anew, casting ourselves on the infinite lull- 
ness of our adorable Redeemer. In him is all our hope. 
Transform us into his image. May we seek to walk in his 
footsteps, and to follow his example. May all who see us 
take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and 
learned of him humility and love. 

O Lord, our heavenly Father, we are pilgrims and so- 
journers here, as all our fathers were. We are wandering 
through this wilderness world toward the heavenly Canaan, 
the home which thou hast promised to all who truly love 
and serve thee. May we make the salvation of our souls, 
the welfare of our fellowmen and the glory of God our con- 
stant aim. May we walk in that straight and narrow path 
that leads to eternal life, turning neither to the right nor to 
the left, but press on toward the mark of our high calling, 
looking to Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 
We ask every blessing in the name of Christ. Amen. 



12 FIRST WEEK. 



MONDAY EVENING. 

WIIvT thou not from this time cry unto me, My father? — 
Jer. iii. 4. 
Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslid- 
ings. Behold, we come unto thee ; for thou art the L,ord our God. — 
Jer. iii. 22. 

O Lord God Almighty, who hast graciously shielded 
us through another day, we desire, ere we retire to rest, to 
commit ourselves; soul and body, to thy tender care for the 
night. Glory be to our God for all the blessings of the 
light ; and now, as the curtain of night is again drawn 
around us, do thou give thy holy angels charge over us that 
no evil may befall us and no danger come near our dwell- 
ing. It is thou, Lord, only, who makest us to dwell in 
safety. 

We acknowledge thee as our daily benefactor and 
guardian. Thine is the air we breathe, the food we eat, the 
raiment with which we are clothed and the homes in which 
we dwell. But far above all these temporal gifts, we bless 
thee for Jesus, the Son of thy love. He is our only and all- 
sufficient Savior; his is the only name given by which we 
can be saved. We would rejoice anew in the assurance, 
that his blood cleanseth US from all sin ; and that he is able 
and willing to save to the uttermost. We rejoice to know 
that he is at this moment pleading in behalf of his people ; — 
the Wonderful Counsellor; — the Prince, who hath power 
with Gdd and must at all times prevail. 

May we be richly endowed with his spirit, and clothed 
in his righteousness. Make us like him, patient and meek, 
thankful and forgiving. Take away all pride, vain 
glory and hypocricy — all absorbing love of this world. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 3 

Set our affections on things above, and enable us to use 
things temporal, so that we lose not the things eternal. 

O Lord God, we thank thee that thou hast established 
a great kingdom on earth, and hast appointed thine own 
beloved Son to be the king over it. Help us to come into 
this kingdom, not merely as nominal members of it, but by 
sincere repententance of our sins and by a living faith in 
Jesus Christ. We bless thee, O God, for the promises of 
pardon and the appointed means of grace ; may we be 
cleansed from our sins by the washing of regeneration, may 
we be baptized not only with water, but also by the Holy 
Spirit, who will sanctify our hearts and lead us into the 
knowledge of all necessary truth and the practice of every 
christian virtue. And having ourselves become members 
of Christ's kingdom, we would pray that this kingdom may 
be everywhere extended in our own land and to the ends of 
the earth, and thy name be glorified, so that all men may 
see the salvation of God. May we ever regard Jesus Christ 
as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 
And since he has condescended to come down from the 
very bosom of the Father to instruct us in his nature and 
will, we would most humbly receive thy commands, and 
earnestly pray that we may so know God as faithfully to 
serve him now, and at length enjoy him forever. 

To thy tender care we commit ourselves this night. In 
thy keeping we shall be safe. Give thy holy angels charge 
of us to keep us ; may we rest securely under the shadow 
of thy wings. If it be thy holy will, give us undisturbed 
repose and refreshing sleep to prepare us for the duties of 
the coming day, if it is thy good pleasure that we shall see 
its returning light. We ask all for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
our Lord. Amen. 



14 FIRST WEEK. 



TUESDAY MORNING. 

HB that spared not his own Son, but deliverod him up for us all, 
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ? — 
Rom. viii 32. 

We thank thee, O Lord God, for thy guardian care 
over us during the darkness of the night, for undisturbed 
repose, for refreshing sleep, and for the returning light of a 
new day. O Lord, we realize that our days and nights, our 
weeks and months and years are passing on and bearing 
their records with them. Help us so to number our days 
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom ; help us to 
work and do thy will while it is day, for there is no work 
or device in the grave, whither we are hastening. 

O Lord Jesus, thou didst come into this world to en- 
dure the shame and agony of the cross in order to redeem 
our souls from eternal death and hell. We would confess 
thee with our lips ; we would confess thee in the great con- 
gregation of thy church ; we would confess thee before the 
world ; we would confess thee in our lives by a holy walk 
and conversation ; we would confess thee in death as our 
only hope of a life beyond the grave. And O Lord Jesus, 
thou wilt also confess us before thy Father and our Father, 
and before the holy angels in the kingdom of heaven. 
Make us willing, O Christ, to take up our cross and follow 
thee, through ignomy and shame and even persecution from 
the world. Help us to persevere in this good warfare even 
unto the end, and then shall we be able to exclaim with 
Paul, " I am now ready, I have fought a good fight, I have 
finished my course, I have kept the faith, and now there is 
laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which Christ, the 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I 5 

righteous Judge shall give me in that day, and not to me 
only, but to all those who love his appearing." 

Bless all in sorrow, heal thou the wounds of their 
hearts. May they bow in submission to thy will, and say ? 
" It is good for us that, we have been afflicted May those 
laid on beds of sickness, exercise patience under bodily 
pain and infirmity ; may useful lives be spared and the dy- 
ing be prepared for death. 

Hasten the promised times of refreshing from the Lord. 
May Jesus take to himself his great power and reign. Let 
the day soon come, when he shall have dominion from sea 
to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth, when 
all kings shall fall down before him, and all nations shall 
serve him. Hasten the time when wars shall cease in the 
earth, when nation shall not lift up the sword against 
nation, when they shall beat their swords into plow shares 
and their spears into pruning hooks, and men shall learn 
war no more. Give peace in our time, O God, for there is 
none other that fighteth successfully for us, but only thou 
O God. If thou, O God, art for us, then none can be suc- 
cessfully against us. 

Bless this family and house-hold ; may we all know 
the happiness of the shepherds' fold. Take us' this day 
under thy peculiar care. The Lord bless us and keep us — 
the Lord cause his face to shine on us — the Lord be 
gracious unto us and give us peace for Jesus sake. Amen. 



1 6 FIRST WEEK. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 

NOW our I/ord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, 
which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation 
and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you 
in every good word and work. — 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. 

O Lord, we draw near to the throne of grace at the 
close of this day to thank thee for the goodness and mercy 
that have followed us thus far. But above all we thank 
thee for thine infinite love in the redemption of the world 
by the Lord Jesus, for the means of grace and for the hope 
of glory. We thank thee that thy well-beloved Son has 
brought in an everlasting righteousness ; that he has ful- 
filled thy law and made it honorable ; that he has suffered 
on Golgotha to atone for our sins ; that he has dispelled 
the darkness of the valley of death and opened the gates of 
heaven to all believers. 

O Lord Jesus, we adore thee, we praise thee, we mag- 
nify thy name; for thou hast redeemed us with thine own 
most preGious blood, and made us kings and priests unto 
God. How shall we sufficiently praise thee for all thy 
goodness to us, and how can we ever recompense thee for 
all thy loving kindness ! Words can not express and our 
hearts cannot conceive the debt of gratitude which we owe 
to thee. All that we can do in return, is to give ourselves 
to thee, a living sacrifice. Here, Lord, we give ourselves to 
thee, soul and body, all that we have and are. O do thou 
accept us graciously and love us freely. Whom have we in 
heaven but thee, and there is none on earth that we desire 
beside thee. O Lord, sanctify us, soul and body, and make 
us pure in heart, that we may finally obtain the blessing 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 7 

which Jesus promised, when he said, Blessed are the pure 
in heart, for they shall see God. 

Nothing else, but the merits of our blessed Redeemer 
can save us. We come to thee, O Christ, for salvation. 
Our souls would magnify the Lord, our spirits would 
rejoice in God our Savior ; for he that is mighty hath done 
great things for us, and holy is his name. 

And while we look by faith to his atonement, as the 
only ground of our justification, we would look to the Holy 
Spirit to work in us all the good pleasure of his goodness. 
May he mould us after the Savior's image, and conform us 
to his will. Lord, give us a supreme love to thee and fervent 
charity to all men ; may we seek to live, as we would wish 
we had been living, when we come to die. 

Have mercy on the afflicted in body, soul or estate. 
Let them submit to thy will and rest in thy love. Let them 
rejoice in him who is their brother in the flesh, and sympa- 
thizes with them in all their trials ; and if they see not the 
bright light in the cloud, may they trust thine own promise, 
" At the evening time it shall be light. ,> 

Promote thy cause and kingdom in the world. Pour 
out upon the ministers, and missionaries and churches the 
healthful Spirit of thy grace. May the time soon come 
when all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of 
God. 

Bless, our own family and household, those nearest 
and dearest to us. May the peace of God keep their hearts. 
Number them with thy saints in glory everlasting. Be with 
us through this night. May our bodies be refreshed with 
sleep ; and may we awake to the duties of a new day, with 
our minds staid on thee. And unto thy great name, Father, 
Son and Holy Spirit, we ascribe blessing, and honor, and 
glory, and praise, now and forever. Amen. 



1 8 FIRST WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

HOW shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant 
land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations ? and I said, 
Thou shalt call me, My Father ; and shall not turn away from me. — 
Jere. iii. 19. 

O Christ, thou light of the world, how can we suffi- 
ciently thank and adore thee for thine infinite love. Thou 
didst forsake thy throne of glory in heaven, the adoration 
of holy angels, and didst come down into this world of sin 
and sorrow to assume our nature, and become our brother 
in the flesh. Thou didst bring the light of heaven to earth 
and reveal it unto men. Oh let the sun of righteousness 
also arise upon us in our darkness and illuminate our minds 
with the light from heaven. Angels and seraphim might 
well be amazed at the deep abasements of our adorable Re- 
deemer, who, though King of kings and Lord of lords, was 
born in a stable and cradled in a manger. Yet, O blessed 
Jesus, how much more venerable was that stable and man- 
ger when graced by thy sacred presence, than the most 
magnificent palace or shining throne ! How ill does it be- 
come poor sinners to be proud of the vain pomp and grand- 
eur of this world. 

Lord, be thou our Covenant God. Thy presence hal- 
lows all joy, sweetens all sorrow, and takes the sting from 
every thorn and every cross. If we have thy favor and 
blessing we are independent of any other. Heart and flesh 
faileth, but thou art the strength of our heart and our por- 
tion forever. 

We pray for. the afflicted. Be a father to the father- 
less, a husband to the widow, the orphan's stay, and the 
stranger's shield. Let every heavy laden one know that it 
is thy gracious hand that appoints every burden. Give us 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 9 

all grace to be resigned to thy will. May this be the 
breathing of our hearts, " Father, glorify thy name." 

Hasten, Lord, thy kingdom. Bring in thine ancient 
people with the fulness of the Gentile nations. Prosper the 
labors of thy missionary servants ; may the Lord stand by 
them and strengthen them. May they not be afraid of evil 
tidings ; may their hearts be fixed, trusting in the Lord. 

May each of us feel, that in our several spheres we 
have some work to perform for thee. Let the solemn word 
of warning be ever sounding in our ears, u The night com- 
eth wherein none of us can work." O, may we be diligent, 
that we may at last be found of him in peace, without spot 
and blameless. 

Bless our household and friends : may they all be thy 
friends and may we all have a family resemblance to the 
great head of the church, Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother. 
Our moments are gliding swiftly by ; forbid that any among 
us should be seeking oil, like the foolish virgins, when the 
lamp of life is going out. Let us be always living with 
eternity in view ; let us die daily to sin, and live daily to 
God, that when the hour of our departure arrives, it may be 
to all of us the birthday of a new life in glory everlasting. 
We ask all these blessings for ourselves and for others in 
the name and for the sake of our adorable Lord and Savior, 
who is within the veil interceding for us and who ever liveth 
and reigneth, world without end. Amen. 



20 FIRST WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

IF ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons ; for 
what son is, he whom the father chasteneth not ? — Heb. xii. 7. 

O Lord Jesus, teach us to pray, as thou didst also teach 
thy disciples to pray. And when we pray with our lips 
may we also pray in our hearts. Thou, O God, art a Spirit, 
and they who would worship thee aright must worship thee 
in spirit and in truth. We pray for the coming of thy king- 
dom, not only in the world, but also in our own hearts, that 
we may do thy will on earth as the angels do thy will in 
heaven. Do thou supply all our daily wants, both spiritual 
and temporal. Forgive our sins for Christ's sake, and help 
us also to forgive our enemies from our hearts, as we hope 
to be forgiven by thee. Lead us evermore by thy Holy 
Spirit in the right way, that straight and narrow way that 
leads to life, and help us to shun the broad and downward 
way that leads to destruction. May we never permit our- 
selves to be led along by the multitudes to do evil, but keep 
close to thee, our God and Savior, and by thy side and in 
thy hand we shall ever be safe. For thine is the kingdom 
and the power and the glory forever and ever. 

O Lord, thou art the hearer and answerer of prayer. 
Thou hast encouraged us to be importunate in prayer. 
Thou hast assured us that thou art more willing to grant 
thy Holy Spirit to those who ask thee, than earthly par- 
ents are to give good things to their children. O Lord, grant 
us such blessings as thou seest to be good for us. Thou 
knowest our wants better than we can explain or express 
them unto thee. Do thou then suit thy blessings to our 
need. 

O thou, who searchest Jerusalem as with a lighted 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 2 1 

candle, do thou search our hearts ; see if there be any 
wicked way in us and lead us in the way everlasting. Lead 
us not in our own way, but choose thou for us. Let us re- 
joice in thee as a rich Provider, and an all-wise Provider, 
who will give us nothing and deny us nothing, but what is 
for our good. 

We commend to thy protection all near and dear to us 
this night. Keep them, gracious Father, under the shadow 
of thy wings ; bless them in themselves, and make them 
also a blessing to others. May they never lose sight of the 
chief end of their being, to glorify thee on earth and enjoy 
thee forever in heaven. Bless our own family. We thank 
thee for all thy great goodness in the past. The Lord hath 
been mindful of us, and he will bless us. 

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion. Build thou 
the walls of Jerusalem. May every branch of thy church 
universal be blest with tokens of thy favor. Revive thy 
work, O God, in the midst of the years. 

Take charge of us this night ; it is thou who givest 
thy beloved sleep ; it is thou, Lord, only, who makest us. to 
dwell in safety. Spare us if it be thy will, to see the light, 
and enjoy the comforts of another day. These and all 
other blessings we ask for Christ's sake. Amen. 



22 FIRST WEEK. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 

YB are the children of the Lord your God. — Deut. xiv. I. 
One is your Father, which is in heaven. —Matt, xxiii. 9. 

Most blessed God, thou hast again permitted us to see 
the beginning of a new day. We desire to accept every 
new morning as a fresh gift of thy love. We are the con- 
stant dependents on thy bounty. If thy sustaining arm be 
withdrawn, we instantly perish. 

We are unworthy to come into thy presence. Thou 
mightest righteously leaves us to perish in our sins, and 
make us the monuments of thy displeasure. But in the 
midst of wrath thou art remembering unmerited mercy. 

We come to thee through the living way of access. 
We cast ourselves on the full, free and everlasting salvation 
of our adorable Redeemer. Our souls would magnify the 
Lord ; our spirits would rejoice in God, our Savior, for he 
that is mighty hath done great things for us, and holy is his 
name. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath 
visited and redeemed his people. May each of us have a 
personal and a saving interest in all those covenant bless- 
ings, which he died to purchase, and which he lives to be- 
stow. May we take him as ours only — ours wholly — ours 
for every step Zion-ward — ours till we reach the gates of 
glory — yea ours for ever and ever. 

O Lord, look down in mercy on a world lying in sin 
and iniquity ; sinners disregard thy law and set at naught 
thy commandments, and they grieve the souls of the right- 
eous. O stay the progress of sin, and enlighten the minds 
of those who are blinded by Satan, so that they may leave 
off from their sins and be converted. We thank thee, our 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 23 

heavenly Father, that thou hast led us out of the Sodom of 
sin and the bondage of Satan, and dost daily draw us nearer 
unto thyself. Strengthen us, therefore, that we may resist 
all the allurements and temptations of Satan, do thou ena- 
ble us to rise above the world and all its sinful pleasures. 
We would cultivate a closer communion with thee, our God 
and Father, our Lord and Savior. Pour out thy Holy 
Spirit upon us and sanctify our hearts. Then we shall 
hate and forsake sin, and love and pursue holiness, without 
which no man can see God. We rely not on our own 
strength, but we trust in Christ, whose grace shall be suffi- 
cient for us in every time of need. 

Bless that branch of thy church with which we are 
united ; bless thy holy church universal. Have mercy on 
the heathen who are sitting in darkness, who know not 
thee, the true and living God, and Jesus Christ, the only 
name given by which we can be saved. May Christ l ; fted 
up, by the attraction of his cross draw all mtn unto him. 
Hasten the time when no man shall have need to say to his 
brother, Know thou the Lord, for all shall know him, from 
the least to the greatest. 

Hear us, O Lord, in these our humble and imperfect 
prayers, for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



24 FIRST WEEK. 



THURSDAY EVENING. 

EVEN so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that 
one of these little ones should perish. — Matt, xviii. 14. 

O Lord God, our heavenly Father, we thank thee that 
we have been brought safely to the close of this day with 
no visible marks of thy displeasure upon us. Forgive, O 
Lord, for Christ's sake, where we have done those things 
we should not have done, and left undone those things we 
should have done. Pardon the imperfections of even our 
best services. 

We thank thee that we were not born of heathen par- 
ents in a heathen land, where they know not the true God 
and his Son Jesus Christ, the only name given on earth 
wherein we can be saved, where they bow down to stocks 
and stones, dumb idols, the work of their own hands, that 
can not hear their prayers, nor forgive their sins, nor save 
their souls, nor give any hope of a blessed life after death. 
But we thank thee that thou hast given us our birth and 
education in a christian land, where we have thy holy word, 
as the revelation of thy will, the light upon our way to 
heaven ; where we have thy church with her sacraments 
and ordinances of religion ; where we have the gospel min- 
istry, and all the means by which we may grow in the grace 
of God and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus 
Christ. O Lord, we would realize that in point of privilege 
we are exalted to heaven. Help us therefore also to realize 
our great responsibility, and make a proper use of these 
means of grace, lest the heathen rise up in Judgment to 
condemn us. 

We rejoice to look back on the way by which thou 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 2$ 

hast hitherto led us ; protecting us from danger, supporting 
us in trouble, dispelling our Tears, and fulfilling our hopes. 
We bless thee for our creation, for our preservation, and for 
all the blessings of this life ; but above all, for thine inesti- 
mable gift, Jesus, the Son of thy love. May Jesus say to 
us, as he did to the believing suppliant of old, " Your sins 
are forgiven you : go in peace." We would seek to draw 
fresh supplies from the fountain of his grace ; knowing that 
there is a fullness in him to meet all our wants and minister 
to all our necessities. 

It is our desire, O heavenly Father, to leave ourselves 
entirely in thy hands. Whether prosperity or adversity 
come to us, whether thou chasten or gladden us, O bring 
us nearer to thyself. Save us from the bitterest of all trials, 
the removal of thy love, the loss of thy favor. Strengthen 
us for duty ; guard us from temptation ; and enable us to 
pass through things temporal, that finally we lose not the 
things that are eternal. 

We pray for thy cause and kingdom everywhere. 
Give thy Son the heathen for his inheritance, and the utter- 
most parts of the earth for his possession. May he take to 
himself his great power and reign. May there soon be 
voices heard saying, " The kingdoms of this world are be- 
come the one kingdom of our Lord and his Christ." 

O Lord, take the charge of us this night during the 
unconscious hours of sleep; may we be strengthened by 
sleep and rest for the duties of the coming day, if it is 
thy holy will that we shall see its returning light. We ask 
all for Christ's sake. Amen. 



26 FIRST WEEK. 



FRIDAY MORNING. 

I N the fear of the Lord is strong confidence : and his children shall 
* have a place of refuge. — Prov. xiv. 26. 

Our Father who art in heaven, what are we, sinful dust 
and ashes, that we should be permitted, morning after morn- 
ing, to take thy name upon our lips ! We bless thee for all 
the unnumbered proofs of thy kindness. From our earliest 
years we have been the recipients of thy bounty. With a 
Father's tenderness thou hast watched over us. Surely, 
goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our lives, 
O Lord, thou art a sun and shield, our consolation, 
our portion and our exceeding great reward. We need not 
be afraid, though heaven and earth should pass away, for 
thou hast given us thy Son, thine only begotten Son, who 
has secured for us the inheritance of the heavenly Canaan. 
Thou couldest have- given us nothing more precious, noth- 
ing more glorious. For when we have Christ dwelling in 
us, the hope of glory, then we have that which can make 
us eternally happy. But what words can express the debt 
of gratitude which we owe to thee, or what return can we 
make to thee for thine infinite love? All that we have we 
have received from thee, and all that we hope to enjoy we 
must receive from thy hand. We have nothing that we can 
strictly call our own, but our sins. Lord cleanse us from 
our sins through the atoning blood of Christ. Sanctify our 
hearts and make them fit temples for the indwelling of thy 
Holy Spirit. We would dedicate ourselves, soul and body, 
as a living sacrifice, wholly and acceptable to thee. And 
when the sun of our lives shall go down and the darkness 
of death shall gather around us, then do thou let us depart 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 2J 

in peace, and resign our souls into thy hands, through Jesus 
Christ our Savior. 

O Lord, we adore thee as God over all, blessed for 
evermore. Thou art the former of our bodies and the 
Father of our spirits; the God in whom we live and move 
and have our being. O give us grateful hearts ; feeling 
that the least blesing we enjoy, is unmerited on our part, 
and a gift of free grace on thine. 

We come anew, glorying in the work and merits of our 
adorable Redeemer. Thou art in him waiting to be gra- 
cious, not willing that any should perish. May our eye of 
faith be kept, blessed Savior, constantly on thee and thy 
completed salvation. We have nothing to pay, thou hast 
paid all. We have nothing to procure, thou hast procured 
all ; everlasting forgiveness, everlasting righteousnes, union 
and communion with thee, now and ever more. To thee we 
look for everything. Save us from every false confidence. 
Elevate our affections ; purify our desires ; make us more 
heavenly minded. Let us while living in the world, live 
above it. Let thy Spirit be our teacher ; let thy word be 
our guide; let thy will be our controlling motive ; let thy 
glory be our ultimate end. May we make religion more 
the one thing needful. Let us not remain content with an 
indefinate hope of final safety. Pilgrims and strangers on 
earth, may we declare plainly, that we seek a better country. 
We put ourselves, blessed God, into thy hands this day. 
May ali our doings this day, begun, carried on, and ended 
in thee, redound, through Jesus Christ, to thy praise and 
glory. Amen. 



28 FIRST WEEK. 



I 



FRIDAY EVENING. 



WILL, be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daugh- 
ters, saith the Lord Almighty.— 2 Cor. vi. 18. 



holy Lord God! How wonderful are thy ways. 
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are thy 
thoughts higher than our thoughts. We cannot always 
comprehend thine inscrutable dealings, but we know that 
thou doest all things well. O help us to have at least some 
faint conception of the length and the breadth, the height 
and the depth of the love of God in Christ Jesus, which 
passeth all human knowledge and understanding. 

O God, our Father, who art in heaven, we thank thee 
for the gift of thy Son, who came into the world to seek 
and to save lost sinners, who fulfilled the whole law by a 
life of perfect obedience, who in the days of his ministry 
went about doing good to the bodies and souls of men, who 
gave us the most perfect rules of life and conduct, who en- 
lightened the world with truth and wisdom from heaven, 
and then died on the cross for our sins. And we thank 
thee not only for a Savior who was crucified, dead and bur- 
ied, but for a Savior that liveth again, having risen from the 
dead for our justification and ascended to heaven, where he 
intercedeth for us, and where he hath prepared a place for 
us in the mansions of our heavenly Father's house, whence 
he will come again and receive us to himself, that where he 
is, we may be also. O help us to embrace this almighty 
Savior by a living faith, and finally may we be received by 
him into that house not made with hands, whose builder 
and maker is God. 

Enable us to feel our sins — to have a deep and heart- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 29 

felt consciousness of their odiousness in thy sight. Give us 
grace in true penitence and contrition of heart to cast our- 
selves, ^worthy as we are, on the infinite worthiness of 
him who is ^//worthy. For his sake receive us graciously 
and love us freely. We rejoice to think on the love which 
he had for us from all eternity. We rejoice to know that it 
is the same at this day, that it was then ; unchanging, ever- 
lasting. O thou great High Priest who hast entered with- 
in the veil, where thou art interceding for us, do thou 
recieve our prayers and present them at the mercy seat. O 
thou Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, 
sanctify us, body, soul and spirit. Make us altogether what 
thou wouldst have us to be. Let us be willing, if need be, 
to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow thee. 

God of Bethel, thou God of all the families of the 
earth, who hast promised to show mercy to thousands of 
them that love thee, do thou bless our family, and give us 
the heritage of those who love thy name. Let none of us 
be left to seek for the first time a living Savior at a dying 
hour. But laying hold on him now, may we be found at 
last unto praise and honor and glory at his appearing and 
in his kingdom. 

We would retire to rest this night, reposing on thy 
gracious providence, beseeching thee, if it be thy will, to 
spare us to see the light and to enjoy the comforts of a 
new day ; and all we ask is in the name and for the sake of 
Jesus Christ our only Savior. Amen. 



30 FIRST WEEK. 



Q 



SATURDAY MORNING. 



RACK be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the 
Iyord Jesus Christ. — Kph. i. 2. 



Almighty God, we come again this morning into thy 
sacred presence. Glory be to thy holy name that we have 
access to the throne of grace. Anew we draw near to the 
open fountain ; anew, gracious Savior, we plead thy prec- 
ious blood. Thine own wondrous love brought thee from 
thy throne in heaven to proclaim liberty to the captives and 
the opening of the prison to them that are bound. What 
shall' we render unto thee for all thy kindness to us. and 
what can we give unto thee for thy boundless love ? All 
we can do is to give ourselves to thee, soul and body. 

O Lord Jesus, who in the days of thy ministry on earth 
didst go about doing good to the bodies and souls of men, 
help us to imitate thy holy example, as far as possible to 
follow thee in all thine imitable perfections. Let thy Spirit 
dwell richly in our hearts, that we may be like thee in lov- 
ing our fellow men and laboring to do them good in body 
and soul. May we also have his forgiving Spirit, who could 
pray even for his enemies and murderers, " Father, forgive 
them, they know not what they do." And as Jesus sent 
forth his apostles as missionaries to preach the Gospel to a 
benighted and sinful world, so may we also feel it to be our 
duty to help send the glorious Gospel of salvation to the 
benighted heathen, who know nothing of thee, the only true 
and living God, and thee, O thou blessed Savior, who hast 
wrought out a perfect redemption for all mankind. 

We would look away from ourselves, to thy dear Son, 
our Redeemer ; feeling, that if we are saved it mu^t be by 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 3 I 

him alone. May he be formed within us the hope of glory. 
By his grace and Spirit may we be brought under the 
power and influence of renewed affections. Let us seek to 
manifest the reality of our union with him, by adorning the 
doctrine of God our Savior in our daily walk and conversa- 
tion. May ours be an active and devoted obedience. 
Expel from us whatever is unholy. Let us live as the ex- 
pectants of a glorious immortality. Lord, may we habit- 
ually remember, that here we are pilgrims. O be thou our 
constant guide in all our journeys. Let us never go, but 
where thou directest ; let us never hesitate when and where 
thou callest us. May we feel that all the circumstances of 
life — its joys and its sorrows, its comforts and crosses, are 
ordained by thee in adorable wisdom. Our way might 
have been hedged up with thorns, but it has been full of 
mercy. Thou hast been our help, leave us not, nor forsake 
us, O God of our salvation. Give us to see written over 
every hour of the future, " So shall thy strength be." 

Bless all near and dear to us. Defend our friends by 
thy mighty power. Surround them with thy favor as with 
a wall, and bring them at last to the enjoyment of thine 
immediate presence. Bless especially those of us now be- 
fore thee. May we all be objects of thy love, and subjects 
of thy grace; may we be enabled to say, Our Father, thou 
shalt be the guide of our lives. 

We commend each and all of us this day to thy keeping. 
Let us enter upon its duties with our souls staid on thee. 
And all that we ask is in the name and for the sake of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit 
be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 



32 FIRST WEEK. 



SATURDAY EVENING. 

LIKE as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that 
fear him. — Ps. ciii. 13. 

O Lord, we thank thee, that thou hast brought us in 
safety to the close of another day and the end of another 
week. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us. We are unwor- 
thy of the least of thy mercies. If thou hadst dealt with us 
as we have deserved, or judged us according to our sins, we 
could not answer thee for one of a thousand. 

O Lord, thy favor is life. Nothing but the enjoyment 
of thine infinite love can satisfy the longings of our souls. 
Whom have we in heaven, O God, but thee ? and there is 
none upon earth we would desire beside thee. We would 
call upon our souls to praise the'Lord,and all that is within 
us to bless his holy name, who forgiveth all our sins, who 
healeth all our diseases, and crowneth us with loving kind- 
ness. 

How merciful and gracious art thou, our God and 
Father, for having opened up a way to heaven by the mis- 
sion of thy Son Jesus Christ into the world, that whosoever 
believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 
We are pilgrims and strangers on earth as our fathers were. 
We have no abiding city here, but we seek a better country, 
the heavenly Canaan, which is to be the eternal inheritance 
of thy people. Help us to press forward with diligence and 
zeal in our pilgrimage towards heaven, our eternal home, 
looking toward the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus 
our Lord. We would raise a memorial, upon the altars of 
our hearts, and bring ourselves and all we have and are as 
a living sacrifice, reasonable and acceptable to thee. O 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 33 

Lord, receive us graciously and love us freely for the sake 
of thy Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

We plead anew Christ's finished atonement. We 
would glory in nothing but his cross. Help each of us to 
enjoy the blessedness of the assurance, that there is no con- 
demnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Let us not 
rest, until with personal appropriating faith, we can say, 
" We know whom we have believed, and we are persuaded 
that he is able to keep that which we have committed unto 
him.' , 

May thy Holy Spirit take of the things that are Christ's 
and show them unto our souls. May he touch us as with 
a live coal from off the altar ; purifying our affections, ele- 
vating our desires ; making our hearts living temples, with 
this as their inscription, " Holiness unto the Lord." 

Bless our beloved friends both near and at a distance ; 
may they all be near to thee. May there be no separation 
between them and thy favor. Any who may be sick, Lord, 
heal them ; any who are in bereavement, Lord, comfort 
them. 

Pity the careless, ungodly world — stop the spread of 
impiety ; establish the reign of purity and righteousness. 
Give us grace to be faithful among the faithless ; resolving, 
that whatever others do, as for us, we will serve the Lord. 

Be with us this night ; watch over us while we sleep. 
May night after night of refreshing slumber be to us the 
emblem of that better rest above, when in perfect peace we 
shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Prepare us 
for the services of the coming Sabbath day. Attune our 
minds for its sacred duties. May each returning Sabbath, as 
it brings us nearer to eternity, find us better prepared for 
heaven and its unalloyed happiness. And all that we ask is 
for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



34 SECOND WEEK. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 



YOUR Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask 
him.— Matt. vi. 8. 

O God, our heavenly Father, we thank thee for the 
undisturbed repose and the refreshing sleep granted us dur- 
ing the past night. It is owing to thy paternal care over 
us that we have passed the night in safety, and once more 
awake to enter on the enjoyments of thy holy day. 
Blessed be thy holy name for the appointment of this day 
of bodily rest and spiritual communion with thee, our God 
and Father. We thank thee for thy church, for the ministry 
of the gospel, for thy holy word and all the means of grace. 
Give us a desire for spiritual blessings, a hunger and a 
thirst after righteousness, and may the Holy Spirit impress 
the truth upon our hearts and enlighten us with wisdom 
from on high. 

When we meet in the congregation of thy people be 
thou with us there ; for thou hast promised to be with thy 
church to the end of time, and wherever thy people meet 
in thy name, thou wilt be in the midst of them. May we 
and all with whom we shall worsnip, realize thy presence, 
and feel that it was good for us to be there, because the 
Savior was in the midst of us and we felt him precious to 
our souls. Give us a reverencial and godly fear when we 
are in thy house. Strengthen our faith, increase our love 
and revive all our spiritual graces. When we sing, may we 
praise thee in our hearts, and sing with the spirit and the 
understanding. When we unite in the words of prayer, 
may it not be a mere lip service, but may we worship thee 
in spirit and in truth. Enlighten our understanding to 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 35 

receive thy word. Speak thou to us this day by thy Word 
and by thy Spirit. May we have the hearing ear, the un- 
derstanding mind, the applying conscience, the feeling 
heart, and the earnest disposition to carry out in our lives 
the holy doctrines of the religion which we profess. 

Be with all those who shall minister in thy holy sanc- 
tuary this day. Fill them with thy Holy Spirit, and as 
they labor to teach others, may they themselves be taught of 
thee. Endue them with power from on high ; give them 
an ardent zeal for the salvation of sinners ; take away from 
them all slavish fear of man, and all selfish desire for the 
praise of men, but give them a single eye to the glory of 
God. 

Look in compassion on the heathen, who are sitting 
in spiritual darkness and the shadow of death, who worship 
idols, the work of their own hands and who have never 
heard of Christ, the Savior of the world ; lock in mercy on 
the Jews who still reject the Messiah that came to save 
them ; look in mercy on all atheists and infidels, both at 
home and abroad. Oh, send out thy light and thy truth 
among the people. Give power and efficacy to thy 
preached gospel everywhere and let not thy word return 
unto thee void. 

All through this day may we have sweet communion 
with thee our Father who art in heaven. Be with us in 
private as well as in public; help us to guard our words 
and our thoughts and to keep near to thee in our hearts. 

Grant thy special grace and blessing to our relatives 
and friends ; those who are at home with us and those who 
are far away. Make this day to them also, as well as to us 
a day of peace and joy, and may we and they meet in spirit 
before the throne of grace. 

Hear us in our feeble prayers for our Savior's sake. 
Amen. 



36 SECOND WEEK. 



SUNDAY EVENING. 

NKITHBR can they die any more: for they are equal unto the an- 
gels; and are the children of God, being the children of the 
resurrection. — Iyuke xx. 36. 

O Lord God, our Father who art in heaven, again we 
come to thee in our Redeemer's name, and we would close 
the holy Sabbath day with prayer and praise. 

We thank thee for this day of sacred rest. We thank 
thee for one day in seven, on which we can rest from our 
bodily labors, and engage in those services which shall 
fit us for that heavenly rest, prepared for thy redeemed 
people, where congregations ne'er break up, and Sabbaths 
have no end. We thank thee for every spiritual desire that 
we have felt for communion with thee, and for every spirit- 
ual thought that passed through our minds; for every devout 
feeling that has affected our hearts we give praise to thee ; 
for all these came from thee, all were the gift and work of 
thy gracious Spirit within us. 

Let us not have heard thy word to-day in vain. 
Deepen its impression on our hearts ; help us to remember 
it and treasure it up in our minds, and live and walk by its 
light. May it indeed be a light to our path and a lamp to 
our feet on our way to heaven. 

Forgive where we have come short. Pardon the sins 
even of our best services. If our minds have wandered in 
worship, if we have forgotten that we were in thy holy pre- 
sence, if light and vain thoughts have crept into our relig- 
ious meditations, if there has been any lack of serious and 
earnest attention to thy word, forgive us for the Redeemer's 
sake. May we be more watchful in future ; may his pre- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 37 

cious blood cleanse us from every stain of sin, and may we 
lie down to rest at peace with God and man. 

To thy tender care we now commend ourselves and 
all whom we love. May thy peace be with us all. Watch 
over us through the night and shield us from harm, both 
temporal and spiritual. May our last thought e'er we close 
our eyes in sleep, be of thee, our Father in heaven, and of 
thee our dear Savior, and may our first thoughts on waking, 
also turn to thee our Creator, our Redeemer, our bountiful 
Benefactor and our Friend. 

We pray for any who specially stand in need of our 
prayers; for those in spiritual darkness, surrounded by 
many temptations ; for those laid on beds of sickness and 
pain ; for those passing through the valley and shadow of 
death ; for those mourning their " loved and lost " ones. 
Grant them the consolations of religion, and help them to 
be^resigned to thy will, saying, Even so Father, for so it 
seems good in thy sight. 

The Lord bless us and keep us ; 

The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be 
gracious unto us ; 

The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us 
peace ; 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. 
Amen. 



38 SECOND WEEK. 



MONDAY MORNING. 

I WIIvIv cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, 
* wherein they shall not stumble: fori am a father to Israel, and 
Ephraim is my first-born. — Jer. xxxi. 9. 

Gracious God, our heavenly Father, thou hast heard 
our prayers and kept us safe through the night. And now 
we wake again in health and peace to praise and magnify 
thy name. 

We are entering upon the duties and labors of another 
day. We are dependent upon thee for all things by day 
as well as by night. We need thy protecting care whether 
we wake or sleep. Bless us also this day ; guide, uphold and 
defend us. Graciously supply all our wants ; give us thy 
Holy Spirit ; keep us under the shadow of thy wing, and 
help us in all that we do, whether we eat or drink, or what- 
soever we do, to do all to the glory of thy name. 

We are weak ; be thou dur strength. We are blind 
and ignorant ; may thy word be a lamp to our feet and a 
light to our path. We know not what this day may bring 
forth; but thou knowest and orderest all things. Heavenly 
Father, this is our comfort, that we are in thy hands, and 
that thou wilt never leave or forsake those who put their 
trust in thee. Increase our faith, enable us to trust in thee 
more fully and constantly ; keep us ever near to thee and 
we shall be safe. 

Bless us as a household. Cause us to dwell together 
in harmony and love. May there be no envy or ill will 
among us, no anger or strife ; may no unkind word this 
day pass our lips ; make us to love each other as brethren 
and sisters in thought and word and deed. May we be 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 39 

helpers to each other, and not hinderers in our spiritual life; 
and should any provocation be received, incline our hearts 
and enable us to be merciful, forbearing and forgiving. 

Help us to remember and put to practice the lesson of 
instruction and admonition on the Lord's day ; may we be 
not only hearers but also doers of thy word. We desire to 
begin the day with thee, and when we go out from this 
family altar to our various employments for the day, give 
us grace in all our intercourse or business with others to 
behave as Christians, and to bring no dishonor on thy 
name. 

Bless our land and nation ; may it be a land as much 
distinguished for the morality and Christian piety of its in- 
habitants, as it is for its civil and religious privileges. Stay 
the progress of vice and ungodliness, of drunkenness and 
crime, of Sabbath desecration and wickedness of every 
kind; and grant that true religion may increase and abound 
among us more and more. 

Especially, we pray thee, bless the youth in our 
churches and Sunday-schools. Shield the young from 
temptation of the flesh, the world and the devil ; it is upon 
them as the future members of the church that her spiritual 
condition and prosperity must depend. 

These and all other needful blessings we humbly ask 
in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our 
Lord. Amen. 



40 SECOND WEEK. 

MONDAY EVENING. 

PJVEN so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. — Xyiike x. 21. 

Give ear, O Lord, to our prayer, and attend to the 
voice of our supplications ; hear us in this our evening 
prayer for our Savior's sake. 

We thank thee for the mercies thou hast again be- 
stowed upon us. Another day has come and gone, and 
thou hast not forgotten us, or overlooked our wants. Thou 
hast in thy bounty given us all that we need, and hast pre- 
served us in life and health and safety. Here we will raise 
our Ebenezer, for hitherto the Lord hath helped us. 

We come to implore forgiveness for our sins. Let 
not one unpardoned sin remain upon us this night. Pardon 
all that our own conscience tells us has been wrong, and 
all our sins and short comings of which we ourselves are 
unconscious, but which have all been seen and known of 
thee. 

Grant us grace to learn from our own faults and fail- 
ings. If some old temptation has beset us and we have 
fallen, O give us a contrite heart and a deeply humbled 
spirit. Yet suffer us not to despair ; help us to feel more 
our own weakness, and to look to thee alone for grace and 
strength. Help us to be more watchful in the future than 
we have been in the past. Give us strength from on high. 
May thy Holy Spirit prevail within us, and subdue every- 
thing that is evil and wrong. 

May that peace which the Savior promised to his dis- 
ciples be ours, may that peace which passeth all under- 
standing be ours in a larger measure. Heavenly Father, 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 4 1 

suffer not our hearts to be troubled or afraid. Keep us 
always in peace and confidence, and help us daily to walk 
in the Spirit. Bless thy holy word more and more to us, 
help us to search the Scriptures, for they testify of Jesus, 
and make us wise unto salvation. May the Holy Scriptures 
be circulated to the ends of the earth. May thy written 
and thy preached word be the means of turning many from 
darkness unto light; may it be to many hearts the power of 
God unto salvation. Have mercy upon those to whom it has 
come, but who have rejected it and refuse to be enlightened 
by its heavenly truths. Look in mercy upon the unbe- 
lievers, the scoffers and despisers of thy word in our own 
and other lands. 

Bless our beloved friends wherever they are. Do 
thou hallow every earthly tie by making it a heavenly 
one. May they all be the children of God by faith in 
Jesus Christ. Bind up the broken hearts; grant rest to 
the weary, a home to the homeless, be thou a father to the 
orphans and a husband to the widow. May those appointed 
unto death be prepared for the great change. 

Amid the uncertainties of life may we be so living and 
walking by the active faith in a living Savior, that when 
that solemn hour of our departure from earth shall come, we 
may have nothing to do, but to die and wake up in glory 
everlasting. 

And now, our heavenly Father, take us and all that are 
dear to us into thy care for the night and may thy blessing 
abide upon us while we sleep, for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
our Savior. Amen. 



42 SECOND WEEK. 



TUESDAY MORNING. 

I F ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your chil- 
* dren, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give 
good things to them that ask him ? — Matt. vii. it. 

O Lord God, our Father who art in heaven. Heaven is 
thy throne and the earth is thy footstool, angels and arch- 
angels veil their faces before thee and cry out, holy, holy, 
holy, art thou Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full 
of thy glory. 

We who are the dwellers upon thy footstool beseech 
thee to look down upon us with favor and loving kindness 
for our Redeemer's sake. We are not worthy to come into 
thy presence ; but we come not in our own name or right- 
eousness ; we come in his name who is the living way and 
for whose sake thou wilt recieve all who come to thee in 
true penitence and faith. 

We give thee thanks for the knowledge of Jesus 
Christ, who came into the world to save lost sinners. We 
thank thee that we have been taught in thy word that he is 
an all-sufficient Savior, able to save, and as willing as he is 
able to save to the uttermost, all who come to thee through 
him. We thank thee for a Savior who not only died to 
atone for our sins, but who rose from the dead and liveth 
again, ready to bestow those blessings wh'ch he purchased 
by his precious blood. We thank thee for the gift of the 
Holy Ghost, whose office it is to teach, and comfort and 
sanctify us. We thank thee for the hope of eternal life 
through Jesus Christ. 

Help us this day to walk by faith. As thou hast 
shielded us through the night, so we pray thee to protect 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 43 

us through this day. Prepare us for whatever may be in 
store for us. Make us watchful and prayerful. Whatever 
our hands find to do this day, may we do it with our 
might. 

And now we thank thee for the temporal blessings we 

enjoy ; for food and raiment, for health and strength of 
body and of mind, for our civil liberty, for our birth and 
education in a Christian land. May we never forget that 
all these things are bestowed upon us by thy bountiful 
hand. 

Oh Lord our heavenly Father, how uncertain is our 

life in this world ; every day brings us nearer to the end of 
our earthly pilgrimage ; may we therefore be every day bet- 
ter prepared for the enjoyments of the bliss of heaven which 
is to be our eternal home. Grant that amidst earth's 
changes our hearts may be fixed upon that home, where 
there are true, pure and permanent joys. May the main 
tendency of our hearts be heavenward. May our treasures 
be laid up in heaven and may our hearts be there. O grant 
us grace to consider no burden too heavy to be borne ; no 
cross too bitter to be endured, and no foe too fierce to be 
met, so that we may do all that thou wouldst have us to do, 
so that we may be made worthy partakers of the inheritance 
of the saints in light, so that at last an abundant entrance 
may be ministered unto us into Christ's everlasting king- 
dom. 

And now we commend unto thy fatherly care our 
loved ones, both those who are present with us here, and 
those who are far away ; protect and shield them by thine 
almighty arm from all danger ; may no harm come near 
them and no danger befall them, but keep them safely 
under the shadow of thy wings, and unto the Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, world without 
end. Amen. 



44 SECOND WEEK. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 



NOT for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in 
one the children of God that were scattered . abroad. — John 
xi. 52. 

O Lord our God, we draw near this evening to the 
throne of grace. We thank thee for thy care over us dur- 
ing the past day. We thank thee for the goodness and 
mercy that have followed us during this day. While others 
have been in want of food to sustain their lives, our table 
has been loaded with plenty ; while others have met with 
accidents or misfortunes, thou hast kept us, as it were, 
under the hollow of thy hand, and hast permitted no harm 
to befall us ; while others have been laid on beds of sick- 
ness and pain, we have been kept in health of body and 
mind. O, may our lives, preserved by thy bounty, be ded- 
icated to thy praise. 

But far above all thine other gifts we bless thee for the 
gift of thine only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the 
redemption which he has wrought out for us, for the means 
of grace and for the hope of glory. We bless thee that 
Jesus Christ has brought in an everlasting righteousness ; 
that he has fulfilled the whole law and made it honorable ; 
that he has dispelled the darkness of the valley of death, 
and opened the gates of heaven to all believers. 

We acknowledge our sins and unworthiness before 
thee. Help us to see ourselves as thou seest us. Unveil 
to us our secret pride. Help us to realize the depths of 
our natural depravity; and our proneness to sin. Let us 
see the vileness of sin in view of the cross of Christ. May 
the power of sin become weaker and weaker in our hearts, 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 4$ 

and may the power of thy grace within us grow stronger 
and stronger. Deliver us from our besetting sins. May 
our souls become holy altars and our bodies living sacri- 
fices, by consecrating ourselves to thy service as instru- 
ments of righteousness unto holiness, in newness of spirit. 

Bless the aged ; may thy favor and love rest on the 
hoary heads as a crown of glory. Bless the young ; may 
they early know what are the only ways of pleasantness 
and paths of peace. Bless the afflicted, the bereaved, the 
poor and the dying ; may they know him, who hath said, 
" I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ,, 

Give us all grace to trust thee at all times and in all 
thy dealings with us, even when they are contrary to our 
own wishes or expectations. Let us at all times be enabled 
to say from our hearts, " Thy will be done ; " and help us 
to obey thy will above all others. Following thy guiding 
footsteps, may we say, " The Lord is our shepherd, we shall 
not want." 

Watch over us, blessed Lord, this night. May thy 
good angels encamp round about us. Give us, if it please 
thee, refreshing sleep and undisturbed repose ; may we lie 
down to rest in thy fear, and awake in thy favor. 

Now unto him who is the Creator and Upholder of 
heaven and earth, who is the King of kings and Lord of 
lords, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light 
which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen 
nor can see, be honor, and power, and glory, and dominion, 
world without end. Amen. 



46 SECOND WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

TRUI/Y *our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus 
Christ. — i John i. 3. 

O Lord God almighty, thou Maker, Upholder, and 
Judge of all. Seraphim and cherubim adore thee ; angels 
and archangels worship thee, and cry out, Holy, holy, holy 
is the Lord of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
We, who are also the creatures of thy hands and the 
dependents on thy bounty, would also join with saints and 
angels in worshiping and praising thee. 

We approach thee as our covenant God and Father, 
trusting in the name and merits of our adorable Redeemer. 
O what a mercy it is that we have such a perfect and all- 
sufficient Savior, who is able and willing to save all who 
will come to him in humility, penitence and faith. We 
thank thee that " Jesus Christ came into the world to save 
sinners," and his invitation still holds good, " Come unto 
me all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest for 
your souls." We renounce all dependence on ourselves. 
We are, in our natural state, spiritually wretched, poor, 
blind, and naked, but we take Jesus Christ as all our hope 
for time and eternity, all our hope, all our salvation, and all 
our desire. 

We are no judges of what is good for us ; what bless- 
ings are best for us to receive, what mercies thou seest best 
to withhold from us. But we rejoice in the infinite wisdom 
and goodness of thy dealings with us. May we seek in 
every providence to hear thy voice, in every event to read 
thy will. May our hearts overflow with love to thee. May 
we feel thy favor lightening every cross, and lessening 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 47 

every care. Lord, give us more of a childlike disposition, 
which takes God at his word, and delights to do his will. 
Keep us from pride and vain glory ; from envy and un- 
kindness ; from all that would exalt us at the expense of 
others. May we learn to love our neighbor as ourselves. 

Look in great mercy on those who are in sorrow or dis- 
tress ; be their support and consolation, and teach us all in 
the midst of health and strength, to prepare for the time of 
adversity. We have no abiding city here ; time is bearing 
us on to eternity. May we know what it is to look to a 
strong tower which can not be shaken. We are in our 
true rest if we are at peace with thee. Do thou gladden 
our pathway through life. May we be lighted through the 
dark valley by the lamp of thy love ; and enjoy in heaven 
and through eternity thy presence and behold thy glory. 

God of Bethel, bless our family and all related to us by 
whatever tie. May they all have a saving interest in the 
everlasting covenant. Bless the young. O, thou great 
shepherd of the sheep, preserve them from the snares of a 
world lying in wickedness. May they be taught of God, 
and thus inherit thine own promise. " Those who seek me 
early shall find me," 

Take us under thy care this day. May all our duties 
be gladdened with a sense of thy presence and love. May 
we have a single eye in all we think and say and do to the 
honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



4-8 SECOND WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

THAT ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without 
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among 
whom ye shine as lights in the world. — Phil. ii. 15. 

O, thou eternal and everlasting God, thou fountain of 
all happiness, and Father of all our mercies, we desire to 
express the gratitude of our hearts for all the blessings we 
have enjoyed this day. Thou hast made our cup to over- 
flow. From our earliest infancy thou hast been our Pro- 
tector and our guardian. Thou hast shielded us from un- 
known dangers; from sickness thou hast restored us to 
health ; thou hast filled our hearts with gladness ; and in 
the hour of temptation thou hast kept us from falling. No 
earthly friend could have loved us and cared for us as thou 
hast done. 

We bless thee, that at all times we have access to the 
throne of grace. We can come to thee as children to a 
father, express our varied wants, ask for the pardon of our 
sins and grace to help in every time of need. Thou hast 
all the treasures of divine grace ; giving does not impover- 
ish thee and withholding does not enrich thee. And thou 
hast declared thyself more willing to give thy Holy Spirit 
to those who ask thee in Christ's name, than earthly par- 
ents are willing to give good things to their children. 

Do thou, then, our Heavenly Father, grant us those 
things which thou seest we need, and which thou knowest 
to be good for us. 

By nature we are helpless, hopeless ; but we cast our- 
selves on him, who is the help, and hope, and friend of all 
who trust in him. We have no trust, but in his wondrous 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 49 

work. Take away our sins, cleanse our hearts by his pre- 
cious blood. Sanctify us by thy Holy Spirit. Draw us 
near to thee, that we may be able to exclaim, " Who shall 
separate us from the love of Christ ? " Draw us, O Lord, 
nearer and nearer to thee. May every thought and feeling 
and temper be brought into obedience to Jesus. May we 
love what he loves and hate what he hates. May we know 
the happiness of true holiness, and experience somewhat 
the joy of angels in doing thy holy will on earth as they do 
it in heaven. Fill us with all joy and peace in believing, 
that we may abound in hope through the power of the 
Holy Ghost. 

Bless our family and friends ; may our household be 
one of the dwellings of the righteous. May every member 
of it be zealous in the promotion of thy glory, remembering 
that the day is coming, when we shall be called upon to 
give an account for the deeds done in the body. 

Our days and nights are passing away and bearing 
their records with them to the Judgment bar. Let us be 
living with our final account always in view. Forbid that 
any of us should be found seeking oil when the lamp of 
life is going out. Let us die daily to sin and live daily to 
God ; that when the hour of our earthly departure comes, 
it may be to all of us the birthday of a new life, in glory 
everlasting. 

We ask all these blessings in the name and for the 
sake of our adorable Redeemer, who is now within the veil, 
where,with thee, O eternal Father ; and thee, O ever blessed 
comforter, three in one, in covenant for our redemption, who 
ever liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen. 



SO. SECOND WEEK. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 

DBLOVKD, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear 
*-* what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear, we 
shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. — i John iii. 2. 

O Lord God, our Heavenly Father, another day has in 
mercy dawned upon us. We desire to enter on its every 
duty with our minds stayed on thee. May all our doings 
be in accordance with thy will, so that we may be enabled 
to do those things that are pleasing in thy sight, and pro- 
mote the glory of thy holy name. 

We bless thee especially for Jesus and his great salva- 
tion. We rejoice that he is both willing and able, and as 
willing as he is able, to save unto the uttermost ; that all 
are alike invited and welcome to come to the fountain, which 
Jesus has opened for sin and uncleanness, wherein they can 
wash and be clean. 

Lord, help us to improve the many privileges which 
we have. May we faithfully use the means of grace, for 
our own growth in holiness and a consistent walk and con- 
versation in the world. May this be our habitual feeling — 
" What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy con- 
versation and godliness ? " 

We commend to thy fatherly care all those who are 
distressed and afflicted. Take them under thy special pro- 
tection. Let thy suffering people wait till they hear the 
" still small voice " speaking comfort and consolation to 
their souls. Calling upon thee in the day of trouble, and 
receiving help from thee, may they be led to " glorify 
thee in the midst of their afflictions." 

Teach us all in the time of health and strength so to 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 5 I 

live, that when the night of death comes we may be enabled 
to say, "Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in 
peace." 

Bless our beloved friends ; forbid that any one of them 
should be found wanting on the day when thou makest up 
thy jewels. May they all be set as gems in Emanuels 
crown, and be found unto praise and honor and glory, at 
his second coming. 

Bless that branch of thy church with which we are so 
intimately united. Bless thy church universal. Imbue 
her ministers and people with the sanctifying influence of 
thy Holy Spirit, Extend everywhere the borders of the 
Redeemer's Kingdom. The harvest truly is plenteous and 
the laborers are few. We would pray the Lord of the 
harvest to send forth laborers, and incline the hearts of 
Christian people to pray for the missionaries in heathen 
lands, and support them in their labors by liberal con- 
tributions. 

Be thou with us this day. May thine everlasting arms 
be beneath and around us for good ; may we be diligent in 
business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord ; and we will 
look forward with joyful hearts to that better world, where 
we shall be always of the same mind with thee, when we 
shall be with thee, and like thee; serving thee without dis- 
traction ; and where sin and sorrow shall be no more felt 
or dreaded. And unto thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
shall be all the glory, world without end. ' Amen. 



52 SECOND WEEK. 

THURSDAY EVENING. 

yE are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. — Gal. iii. 26. 

O Lord, our God, we come into thy sacred presence 
this evening again to thank thee for thy protection and 
care over us during the day. On thee we are dependent 
for every temporal blessing, and every spiritual privilege 
we enjoy. If we have this day been enabled to overcome 
temptation, and fight against sin, it is thy grace which has 
enabled us to do so. We are weak, but thou art strong ; 
protect us ever by thine almighty arm against all temporal 
and spiritual harm ; if thou art for us, no one can be suc- 
cessfully against us. 

O Lord God of heaven and earth, we magnify thy 
majesty and greatness in thine unfathomable and infinite 
love for sinners ! Thou didst not punish fallen and rebel- 
lious sinners, but thou didst send thine only begotten Son 
to die on the cross for them, as a ransom from their guilt. 
We adore thee for thine unspeakable love in giving thy 
dear Son, to become sin for us, in order that we poor, mis- 
erable sinners might obtain that righteousness which avails 
in thy presence. That is thy greatness, that thou dost hear 
the sinner in thine infinite love, seek him, and care for him, 
to save and make him happy. Thou Lord Jesus, givest us 
thy pierced hand, which has imparted to us so much love, 
that we must stand ashamed as we contemplate it, and our 
eyes be bathed in tears full of praise and gratitude. 

And while we look by simple faith to the glorious 
atonement of Christ, as the only ground of our justification, 
we would look to the Holy Spirit to work in us all the 



FAMILY PRAYERS. S3 

good pleasure of his will, enabling us to walk and to act in 
obedience to thy holy commandments. Lord, give us 
supreme love to thee ; fervent charity to all men ; faithful- 
ness to every trust confided to our hands. May we seek to 
live as we would wish we had been living, when we come 
to die. 

Have mercy on the sons and daughters of sorrow, let 
them own thy hand in all their afflictions ; let them rest in 
thy love ; let them rejoice in him who " hath borne our 
griefs and carried our sorrows ; " and if they see not the 
bright light in the cloud, may they trust thine own promise, 
" At evening time it shall be light. ,> 

Advance thy cause and kingdom in the world. Pour 
out upon thy ministers, and missionaries, and churches the 
healthful Spirit of thy grace. May the time soon come 
when all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of 
God. 

Bless our own family and household, and all that are 
nearest and dearest to us. May the peace of God, which 
passeth understanding, keep their hearts. Number them 
with thy saints in glory everlasting. 

Be with us through this night. May our bodies be 
refreshed by sleep ; and may we awake to the duties of a 
new day with our minds stayed on thee. And unto thy 
great name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we ascribe all 
blessing, and honor, and glory, and praise, now and forever. 
Amen. 



54 SECOND WEEK. 



FRIDAY MORNING. 



'T^HIS my Son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is 
* found. — Luke xv. 24. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, we draw near in the 
name of him whom thou hearest always. " Nothing in our 
hands we bring," — we would cling " simply to his cross." 
Empty us of all self-righteousness; — let us feel our deep 
creature-destitution ; — let us stand alone in the finished 
righteousness of the All-righteous One. We have forfeited 
all claim to thy favor, and if we had been left to our own 
treacherous hearts and wayward wills, we must long ago 
have perished. 

We desire to look to thy grace in the future. There 
is not a corruption we have within us which that grace is 
unable to subdue ; there is not a cross, or trial, or care, but 
it will enable us to endure. Whatever thy dealings may 
be, let us cheerfully confide in their wisdom and faithful- 
ness. We are poor judges of what is good for us, but we 
can trust thee in all things ; — in what is great and what is 
small, what is dark and what is bright, what is joyous and 
what is grievous. We rejoice that all is in thy hands, and 
all is for the best. May we ever regard sin as our greatest 
trial. When temptation assails us, grant us power to resist 
it. May our conversation, our tempers, our affections, our 
desires, be regulated by the example of our divine Lord 
and Master. Give us his meekness of spirit, which no 
provocation could ruffle, — his forgiveness of injuries amid 
ingratitude and scorn, — his calm, unmurmuring submission 
to thy holy will. 

Bless all the sons and daughters of affliction. Let 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 55 

them view every dark providence as an errand of love in 
disguise, — a messenger sent from the eternal throne, to 
minister to them who are heirs of salvation. May we all 
live as pilgrims on the earth. Make us meet for the time when 
our earthly work and warfare shall cease, and when, in un- 
spotted sanctity, we shall stand without fault before thy 
throne. 

The Lord bless our neighbors, and show us how 
to do them good. Help us at all times to strive to be a 
blessing to their bodies and their souls, and may they be a 
blessing to us. Bless those of them who call upon thy 
name. And have mercy upon such as know thee not, 
neither worship nor serve thee. Turn their hearts to the 
Savior and their feet to thy commandments. 

Lord, take the charge of each and all of us. Keep us 
this day without sin. May all our doings be ordered by 
thy governance, to do that which is well-pleasing in thy 
sight, through Jesus Christ our only Lord and Savior. 
Amen. 



56 SECOND WEEK. 



FRIDAY EVENING. 

BLESSED be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth 
us in all our tribulation. — 2 Cor. i. 3, 4. 

O God, we desire to draw near into thy sacred pres- 
ence, thanking thee for the mercies granted^us during 
another day. Many of our fellow-men have, since its com- 
mencement, passed into eternity, their season of grace fled 
for ever. We are still spared. The living monuments of 
thy grace, we shall praise thee, as we do together this night 

We bless thee especially for the tokens of thy mercy 
in Jesus. We bless thee for his full, free, everlasting re- 
demption. Let us feel the all-sufficiency and security of 
his covenant love. That for infinite want there is infinite 
fulness, — that for infinite danger there is an infinite salva- 
tion. 

Lord, give us grace to live worthy of our high calling. 
Enable us to adorn the doctrine of our God and Savior. 
Let his love be the animating principle in our actions. Let 
our chief delight be to serve him — our greatest pain to vex 
and grieve him. May our affections be more elevated — 
our eye more single — our lives more consistent — religion 
more the one thing needful. Enable us to exercise a child- 
like submission in thy dealings. These may at times be 
mysterious ; but when thy purposes of love are at last 
unfolded, we shall dwell with adoring gratitude on all the 
way by which thou hast led us. Give us grace, mean- 
while, to be living as dying creatures. 

Look in kindness on this household ; may they all 
have the rich and enduring heritage of those that fear thy 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 57 

name. Bless all our absent friends. Be thou ever present 
with them. If there be any still at a distance from thee, 
Lord, bring them nigh, through the blood of the everlast- 
ing covenant. Let not one be found wanting at the Great 
Day. 

We pray for thy Church universal. O thou Great 
High Priest, do thou feed every golden candlestick with 
the oil of thy grace. Be thou the " all in all " of every 
church, as of every believer. Do thou promote union 
among thy true people. Let them not live apart, looking 
coldly and distantly on one another. Feeling that they are 
all one in Christ Jesus, may they love one another with a 
pure heart fervently ; and thus the Church on earth may 
be a dim reflection of the glorious Church of thy redeemed 
in heaven. 

Hear us in these prayers, O our Father, and let our 
lives hereafter, if we should be spared to see the light of 
another day, correspond with the expressions of our pray- 
ers, that we may live by faith in the Word of God, and die 
in that faith, and enter into the joy of our Lord. 

Watch over us during the silence and darkness of 
another night ; and spare us, if it be thy will, to see the 
light, and to enjoy the comforts of another day. 

Hear these our humble supplications. And all that 
we ask is for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



58 SECOND WEEK. 



SATURDAY MORNING. 

A ND if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with 
*^ Christ. — Rom. viii. 17. 

For which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren. — Heb- 
ii. 11. 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father. We thank thee 
that we are again permitted to draw near to a throne of 
grace to worship thee. Thou hast watched over us during 
the night and brought us to see the light of another day. 

Anew we draw near to the opened fountain ; — anew, 
gracious Savior, we plead thy spotless merits. It was 
thine own errand of wondrous love, — that which brought 
thee from thy throne in heaven, — to proclaim liberty to the 
captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are 
bound. Do thou usher us into the glorious liberty of thy 
people. May we feel that there is no real happiness inde- 
sendent of thee ; — that all else are walking in a vain show — 
seeking rest but finding none. But if thou make us free, 
we shall be free indeed. Enable us to take thee as the 
strength of our hearts and our portion for ever. 

Keep us from the absorbing power of earthly things. 
Let us not be dead to thee, and alive only to a dead and 
dying world. Let not the seen and the temporal eclipse 
the higher and nobler objects of faith. May we live under 
the powers of a world to come, — loving thee now with 
some feeble and imperfect foretaste of that love with which 
we trust we shall love thee for ever. 

We rejoice to believe that we are entirely in thy keep- 
ing. If thou sendest us prosperity, Lord, hallow it. If 
thou sendest us adversity, Lord, sanctify it. May all things 
wo rk together*for our good and thy glory. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 59 

We commend tcT thy gracious providence those in 
whom we are more specially interested. Take our friends 
under thy peculiar care. Sanctify them by the indwelling 
of thy Holy Spirit ; — prosper them outwardly and inwardly ; 
— may all their duties and occupations be leavened with 
godliness. Bless our own immediate circle : — may God be 
our Father, and Jesus our elder Brother, and heaven our 
everlasting home. Bless the young — defend them from this 
present evil world. Let them early know the happiness of 
seeking and finding the one thing needful. 

May thy kingdom come. Support and strengthen all 
devoted laborers in heathen lands. May thy Spirit come 
down as rain upon the mown grass — as showers that water 
the earth. Sanctify affliction to all in sorrow. Let thy 
suffering people rejofce in the assurance that thy chastise- 
ments are the dealings of a Father ; that the furnace is 
lighted to purge away the dross, and refine and purify for 
glory. 

Direct, control, suggest, this day, all our thoughts, 
purposes, designs, and actions, that we may consecrate soul 
and body, with all their powers, to the glory of thy holy 
name. And all that we ask or hope for, is for the Redeem- 
er's sake. Amen. 



60 SECOND WEEK. 



SATURDAY EVENING. 

A ND they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when 
** I makeup my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth 
his own son that serveth him. — Mai. iii. 17. 

Lord, we desire to approach thy throne of grace 
this evening, adoring thee as God over all, blessed for ever- 
more. Draw near to us as we draw near to thee. We 
bless thee that thou hast spared us during another day, and 
another week. Let us end every day and every week as if 
these might possibly be our last ; as if the midnight cry 
might break upon our ears ere we see another rising sun, 
or a returning Sabbath. 

We come, acknowledging, that it is of the Lord's mer- 
cies that we are not consumed. By nature and by wicked 
works we could expect nothing, but indignation and wrath, 
tribulation and anguish. Each day is a witness against us. 
We confess our proneness to depart from thee the living 
God, — our reluctance to render to thee the tribute of our 
undivided homage and love. 

Lord, we bring our sins and lay them on him, who 
was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our 
iniquities. We bring our weakness to his almighty 
strength ; we bring our insufficiency, that we may receive 
from him, the promised " all-sufficiency in all things/' We 
rejoice, blessed Savior, to think of thee, as sympathizing 
with us in all our trials and perplexities and temptations ; — 
keeping us as the apple of thine eye, and feeling what is 
done to thy people as if it were done to thyself. Enable us 
to repose in the infinite fullness of thy grace and mercy; to 
experience the blessedness of an unreserved, unwavering 









FAMILY PRA> l .S. 5] 

trust and confidence in thy dealings. Let us confide to 
thee the allotment of all that befalls us. Let us harbor no 
suspicions of thy faithfulness and love. Let us commit the 
unknown future to thy better wisdom, saying, " Teach us 
the way wherein we shall walk, for we lift our souls unto 
thee." 

O God, while we pray for ourselves we would remem- 
ber before thee all whom we ought to remember at a throne 
of grace. Prosper thy cause and kingdom in the world. 
Bring the wickedness of the wicked to an end ; may the 
Prince of Peace take to himself his great power and reign. 
Bless the young ; may they spring up as willows by the 
water-courses : may they be trees of righteousness, the 
planting of the Lord. Bless the aged ; may they be gath- 
ered into the garner of the great husbandman, as a shock 
of corn in its season ; full of years and ripe for glory. 

Bless all thy faithful ministers — especially those who, 
to-morrow, are to proclaim thy holy word; — strengthen 
them outwardly and inwardly, as they go forth, bearing the 
precious seed ; and on the great reaping-day of judgment, 
may they come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves 
with them. Bless us as a family. Let us all own one com- 
mon Master — one Father in heaven. 

Be with us throughout the silent watches of the night. 
Whether we wake or sleep, may we live together with thee. 
There is no darkness to us if thou art with us. Defend us 
during the unconscious hours of slumber, that we may rise 
on thy holy Sabbath fitted for duty, happy in the assured 
continuance of thy favor and love. And all we ask is for 
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



62 THIRD WEEK. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 

WHEN the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, 
made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that 
were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. — 
Gal. iv. 4, 5. 

Almighty and everlasting God, we bless thee for the 
return of another day of the Son of man. We thank thee 
that we have been spared during another week, while many 
of our fellow-men have been called to render in their ac- 
count. Give us filial nearness to thee our Father in 
heaven. Let us hear thy gracious benediction — " Peace be 
unto you." May thine own day be begun, carried on, and 
ended, under a sense of thy presence and favor. May all 
worldly thoughts, and cares, and disquietudes, be laid 
aside, that we may enjoy a fortaste of the everlasting bless- 
edness which is at thy right hand. 

We come, gracious Lord, relying on thy mercy and 
love in Jesus. We Would direct the undivided eye of faith 
to his finished salvation ; rejoicing that it is as free as ever, 
and as efficacious as ever. Fill us with a deep and hum- 
bling sense of our sins. May we mourn an erring past, 
and receive grace for an unknown future. We would seek 
this day anew to enkindle our love at thy holy altar. In- 
spire us with resolutions of new obedience. May we no 
longer live unto ourselves— to the world — to the creature 
— to sin. May the great Creator and the adorable Re- 
deemer occupy, without a rival, the throne of our affections. 
Let us cultivate a holy fear of offending thee. May the 
love of God be shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy 
Ghost, given unto us. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 63 

We desire to remember, in thy presence, all in whom 
we are interested. Bless thy people, this day, throughout 
the Christian world ; may multitudes be added to the 
Church, of such as shall be saved. Strengthen thy minis- 
tering servants in the proclamation of thy holy word. May 
many careless souls be arrested ; may weak ones be 
strengthened ; may sorrowing ones be comforted; may the 
weary and heavy-laden obtain rest. May a Sabbath-spirit 
follow us all throughout the week ; and may this day — the 
memorial of the Savior's resurrection — be to us also an 
earnest of the everlasting rest which remains for thy people 
in glory. 

We commend our dear friends especially to thy pro- 
tection. May they, too, be in the Spirit on the Lord's day ; 
may they call and find the Sabbath a delight. Keep them , 
good Lord, by thy mighty power. May they live soberly, 
and righteously, and godly, in this present world ; looking 
for that blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of the 
great God our Savior. Bless the members of our family 
circle ; keep them ever near to thee. 

Sanctify trial to the sons and daughters of affliction. 
May they bow in submission to thy sovereign appointments, 
saying, " Even so, Father ! for so it seems good in thy 
sight." 

Lord, take the charge of us ; and when thy will con- 
cerning us on earth is completed, take us to dwell with 
thyself in glory everlasting ; and all we ask is for the Re- 
deemer's sake. Amen. 



64 THIRD WEEK. 



SUNDAY EVENING. 

HA VK we not all one Father ? hath not one God created us ? — Mai. 
ii. 10. 
Thou, O I/ord, art our Father, our Redeemer; Thy name is from 
everlasting. — Isa. lxiii. 16. 

O God our heavenly Father, who hearest prayer, unto 
thee we come. Thou never hast said unto anyone, Seek 
ye my face in vain. Thy thoughts to us are unchanging 
thoughts of love. 

We approach thee on this the evening of thy holy 
Day, acknowledging our great unworthiness. Fill us with 
a deep sense of our sins. We are apt to plead vain excuses, 
if not to thee, yet to ourselves, for our sins. 

Forgive us, O Lord, — forgive us all, for thy dear Son's 
sake. Wash these crimson and scarlet stains away, in the 
fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness. Let us know 
more and more the preciousness of the faithful saying, that 
" Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.'' 

Enable us to live as thy redeemed children. As he 
who hath called us is holy, so may we be holy in all man- 
ner of conversation. Put thy fear in our hearts ; — not the 
fear of torment, but the child-like fear of offending so kind 
a Father — so gracious and forgiving a Savior. Blessed 
Lord, make these unworthy hearts of ours thy temple; — 
holy altars of gratitude and love. May our lives form a 
continued thank-offering for thy manifold mercies. May 
we count it our highest privilege, as well as our sacred 
duty, to walk so as to please thee. Let us be growing in 
faith and love — in charity and meekness — rejoicing in hope 
of the glory of God. 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 65 

Father, glorify thy name. Darkness is still covering 
the lands, and gross darkness the people. May the time 
to favor Zion, yea, the set time, speedily come. Revive 
thy work in the midst of the years ; — in wrath do thou re- 
member mercy. 

We pray for all in affliction. O thou who art the 
healer of the broken-hearted, the comforter of all that 
are cast down — do thou impart to every sorrowing, be- 
reaved spirit, thine own everlasting consolations. May all 
thy suffering people come forth as gold tried in the fire ; 
and so be found at last unto praise and honor and glory at 
the appearing of Jesus Christ. 

We commend our family and household to thy care. 
God of Bethel, God of our fathers, the God 'and Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, be thou the covenant God of all 
near and dear to us. Whether they be now present or 
absent, may they all be near and dear to thee. Keeper of 
Israel, be thou their Keeper; guide them, guard them, 
sanctify them ; use them for thy service here, and bring 
them to the enjoyment of thyself hereafter. 

Take us under thy providential care this night. When 
the gates of the morning are again opened, may it be to 
hear thy benediction and blessing — " Fear not, for I am 
with thee." And all that we ask is for the sake of him 
whom thou hearest always ; and to whom, with thee, the 
Father, and thee, O blesseed Spirit, one God, be everlasting 
praise, honor, and glory, world without end. Amen. 



66 THIRD WEEK. 



MONDAY MORNING. 

I_| E shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock 
* * of my salvation. — Ps. lxxxix. 26. 

Almighty God, we desire, on this, the morning of a 
new day, to approach thy throne of grace. Thou art glori- 
ous in thy holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing 
wonders. Thine eternity no finite mind can fathom : thy 
purposes no accident can alter : thy love no time can im- 
pair. We adore thee as the God of our life ; moment by 
moment we are dependent on thy goodness ; if thou with- 
drawest thy hand, we perish. 

And yet, O Lord, we have not been living habitually 
mindful of thee. We have too often taken our blessings as 
matters of course. We have had unthankful spirits in the 
midst of daily tokens of unmerited mercy. Above all, we 
have been living in guilty forgetfulness of thy dear Son. 
We have not been remembering as we ought, that but for 
him and his wondrous grace, we must have perished for- 
ever. We have not felt, as we ought, the attractive power 
of his cross. We have been " minding earthly things ; " 
too often careful, and troubled, and concerned, about what 
will perish with the very using. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. Melt our hard and ob- 
durate hearts ; renew them by the indwelling of thy gra- 
cious Spirit. Give us henceforth a more ardent ambition to 
serve thee. All our hope is in Jesus. Help us, blessed 
Savior, else we die ! There is infinite merit in thee to meet 
all the magnitude of infinite guilt. May we exhibit more 
willingness to renounce all dependence on ourselves, that 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 67 

thou mayest be enthroned in our hearts, as Lord of all. 
Make us more heavenly- minded. Our graces are feeble — 
Lord, sustain them. Our affections are lukewarm — Lord, 
revive them. Search us — try us — lead us; use what disci- 
pline thou seest best : may it all result in our growing sanc- 
tification, — in endearing to us thy favor, and bringing us to 
live under a more constant and realizing sense of the things 
which cannot be shaken, but remain. 

We pray for a world lying in wickedness. How long 
shall the wicked — how long shall the wicked triumph? 
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance, feed them also, 
and lift them up for ever. Bless abundantly the preach- 
ing of thy holy word. Glorify thyself in the salvation 
of sinners. May the hands of thy ministering servants 
be made strong by the arms of the mighty God of 
Jacob ; may bows, this day, drawn at a venture, have car- 
ried the arrow of conviction or of comfort to many hearts. 

We commend to thee all who are near and dear to us. 
May they be shielded by thy providence, and sanctified by 
thy grace. May they feel that to be spiritually-minded is 
life and peace. Bless our own family, — -preserve us by thy 
mighty power. May we all feel that it is thou, Lord, only, 
who makest us to dwell in safety. 

We put ourselves, this day, and ever, at thy disposal. 
May the everlasting arms be around us for good ; — guiding 
through life — through death — till we are safe in glory ; — 
through Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Savior. Amen. 



68 THIRD WEEK. 



MONDAY EVENING. 

OE ye followers [imitators] of God, as dear children: and walk in 
*-* love, as Christ also hath loved us. — Eph. v. i, 2. 

Lord, our Heavenly Father, by whose good provi- 
dence we are spared from day to day, do thou enable us to 
come this night into thy presence, with hearts filled with 
gratitude and thankfulness for all thy mercies. We would 
be deeply humbled on account of our unworthiness. What 
are we, that we should be permitted to take thy name into 
our lips ? We have sinned, what shall we say unto thee, O 
thou preserver and Redeemer of men ? We have erred and 
strayed from thy ways like lost sheep ; we have followed 
too much the devices and the desires of our own hearts 
unto evil. We have been living in the enjoyment of count- 
less blessings without any due acknowledgment of thy giv- 
ing hand. Thy kindness has too often been abused, thy 
grace resisted. We have been worshiping and serving the 
creature more than the Creator, who is God over all, blessed 
for evermore. 

What encouragement we have to trust thy love and 
mercy ! We can fear no evil when thou art with us. We 
rejoice that we are in thy hands ; — that all that concerns us 
and ours is at thy disposal. Enable us to rest, in calm 
composure, in thine infinite wisdom. Give us lowliness and 
gentleness; kindness and unselfishness. May our own 
wills be merged in the higher will of our Father in heaven. 
Whatever be the discipline thou employest, may we meekly 
submit to it. May we watch all thy varied teachings, and 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 69 

get profit and sanctification out of them all. May they 
bring us nearer to heaven and nearer to thee. 

Lord, we flee anew to the clefts of the Smitten Rock; 
— hide us there, from that wrath and everlasting condemna- 
tion which these our manifold sins have justly merited. 

Bless our household ; — unite us, as a family, in the 
bonds of peace. May the blood of the everlasting cove- 
nant be sprinkled. on the portals of every heart. We pray 
for our native^land. Bless our rulers, and judges, and sen- 
ators; may they be a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to 
them that do well. Bless the ministers of the everlasting 
Gospel ; may they be workmen needing not to be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the word of truth. Whatever, O God, our 
station in life may be, may we seek to do something for the 
glory of thy holy name. Give us grace to work while it is 
called to-day. May our loins be girded and our lights 
burning ; may we be like those who are waiting for their 
Lord, that when he cometh and knocketh, we may be ready 
to open to him immediately. Watch over us during this 
night. Grant us refreshing rest ; — and spare us, if it be thy 
will, to see the light of a new day. And all that we ask is 
for the sake of him whom thou hearest always, and to 
whom, with thee, the Father, and thee, ever blessed Spirit, 
one God, be ascribed everlasting praise, honor, and glory, 
world without end. Amen. 



JO THIRD WEEK. 



TUESDAY MORNING. 

A S many as received him, to them gave he power to become the 
** sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. — Jno. i. 12. 

Lord, we desire to draw near into thy blessed pres- 
ence on this the beginning of a new day. Do thou accept 
of our morning sacrifice. Throughout the day may our 
minds be stayed on thee. May a sense of thy favor and 
love be intermingled with all its duties, hallowing all its 
pleasures, and softening all its trials. Lord, we have re- 
ceived our being from thy hands ; — may the lives imparted 
by thee, and sustained by thee, be consecrated to thy praise. 
May we feel the happiness of thy service, and regard noth- 
ing that this world can give, as comparable to the enjoy- 
ment of thy friendship and love. 

We thank thee, above all, for the provisions of the 
everlasting covenant. Gracious Savior — thou Shepherd — 
Guide — and Portion of thy people, give us the assured sense 
of pardon and forgiveness through the blood of the Cross. 
May simple faith be followed by holy obedience, May we 
know the blessedness of a holy life ; of affections once 
alienated from God, now alienated from the world. May 
no spiritual foe be permitted to obtain the victory over us ; 
no idol to usurp thy place in our souls. May we have 
strength given us either to perform or to endure thy will, 
and to cleave unto thee with full purpose of heart. 

We pray for all mankind ; visit, in mercy, the dark 
places of the earth, which are still the habitations of cruely . 
Strengthen thy missionary servants. Arouse thy churches 
to greater zeal in the promotion of thy cause. We would 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 7 1 

pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth 
laborers to his harvest. 

God of our fathers, be our covenant God. Dwell in 
this family and household : hallow every heart as an altar 
to thy praise. Impress upon us all a family resemblance to 
the Great Elder Brother, our living Head in glory. Each 
of us is advancing nearer eternity ; may we seek to be be- 
coming more and more meet for our everlasting home. 
Prepare us for the blessedness of uninterrupted fellowship 
with thyself hereafter. 

Have compassion on all who are afflicted. Pity the 
houseless poor, the orphaned children, the widowed heart. 
O thou, who turnest the shadow of death into the morning 
— do thou console and comfort them. May they adore 
thee, alike in giving and in taking away ; — in the bestowing 
of thy gifts, and in the removing them ; saying, in devout 
submission, " Blessed be the name of the Lord." 

We commit ourselves to thy care. May the Lord 
God this day be to us a sun and shield. May the Lord 
give grace and glory, and withhold from us nothing that he 
sees to be truly good. And all that we ask is for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



*J2 THIRD WEEK. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 

BLESSKD are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the chil- 
dren of God.— Matt. v. 9. 

O Lord our God, we thank thee that we are again per- 
mitted, in the multitude of thy mercies, to see the close of 
another day. We desire to end it with thee. Ere we re- 
tire to rest, we would implore thee for thy blessing and 
guardian care. Make not our pillow this night a pillow of 
death Give thine angels charge over us during the un- 
conscious hours of sleep ; and when we awake, may we be 
still with thee. 

We adore thee, gracious God, as the source of all our 
happiness — the Author of all our blessings. We desire to 
take thee as our chief joy. Guide us by thy counsel- 
Thou hast been gracious to us in the past ; we will trust 
thee in the future. Let our heartfelt wish and longing be 
— to live, and walk, and act, so as to please thee : and thus 
may each returning night, as it finds us nearer eternity, find 
us better prepared for the enjoyment of thy presence for 
ever. 

Cleanse us from all the defilements of the day ; all our 
sins of omission and commission. Accept of us in the Be- 
loved. Adored be thy name, we have in Jesus the Physi- 
cian who healeth all our diseases. We stand now, as we 
desire to stand on the Judgment-day, clothed in his spot- 
less righteousness. 

We commend, holy Father, to thy gracious care and 
providence, our family and household. May each of us be 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 73 

a member of the household of faith. Do thou, if it be thy 
will, long continue unbroken our home-circle on earth ; but 
let our true home be in heaven. Let the watchword of 
each, near and dear to us, be this — " We are journeying unto 
the place of which the Lord hath said, I will give it you." 
Bless the young ; train them early for glory. Preserve 
them from the countless temptations of a world lying in 
wickedness. We pray for the afflicted ; we commend them 
to him who knows their frame. 

Let thy kingdom come. Stand by thy missionary 
servants ; may they have many heathen souls for their hire \ 
many, who shall be to them as a crown of joy and rejoicing 
on the Great Day. 

Known unto thee are all our wants ; we leave our peti- 
tions at the footstood of thy throne, assured that in thee we 
have a rich Provider. And when the provisions of the 
earthly journey are needed no more, may it be our blessed 
privilege to feed on the Bread which endureth to everlast- 
ing life. And all that we ask is in the name and for the 
sake of him whom thou hearest always ; and to whom, with 
thee the Father, and thee, O Eternal Spirit, one God, be 
ascribed all blessing, and honor, and glory, and praise, 
world without end. Amen. 



74 THIRD WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

A ND because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son 
** into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. — Gal. iv. 6. 

O Lord, thou art great, and greatly to be feared, thy 
greatness is unsearchable. Who shall not fear thee, and 
glorify thy name ? for thou only art holy. Eternal Father, 
who hast loved us with an everlasting love : — Eternal Son, 
who did so freely shed thy precious blood for us : — Eternal 
Spirit, who art waiting and willing to renew and sanctify — 
yea, to make these worthless souls of ours temples to thy 
praise ; — Do thou come to us in the plenitude of thy love 
this morning, that we may feel it to be good for us to draw 
near unto God. 

What are our lives, but testimonies to divine faithful- 
ness ? We look back with gratitude and thankfulness on a 
wondrous past, — the mercies innumerable which have been 
showered upon us, and that, too, in the midst of ingratitude 
and sin. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget not all 
his benefits ! 

Where could we now have been, but for thy great love 
to us in Christ ! On him our every hope of pardon and 
acceptance is built. On his work we desire every hour to 
live. We rejoice that we have such a Day's-Man between 
us, who has laid his hand upon us both ; that he is now 
pleading for us within the veil — answering for those who 
cannot answer for themselves. Lord, enable us to manifest 
our love to him, by a holy walk and conversation, adorning 
the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Give us a 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 75 

tender conscience, a broken spirit, filial nearness, purity of 
heart, consistency of conduct, uprightness of life. Loving 
thee, our God, may we love also our fellow-men. Bring us 
under the power of renewed natures and purified affections. 
May all that is earthly and carnal, all that is unamiable and 
selfish, all that is unkind and unholy, be displaced by what 
is pure, elevated, lovely, and of good report. Above all, 
may we live under the influence of unseen realities. Stab- 
lish our hearts with the blessed truth, that the coming of 
the Lord draweth nigh ; that so, when the hour of death 
shall overtake us, it may be to us an angel whispering, 
" The Master is come, and calleth for thee. ,, 

Bless us as a family ; — give us the heritage of those 
that fear thy name ; may the absent know thee as ever 
present ; — and when earth's separations are at an end, may 
there be a common meeting-place for us all at last, before 
thy throne. 

Be our God and guide this day ; protect our bodies 
from danger, preserve our souls from sin ; never leave and 
never forsake us. And all that we ask is in the name, and 
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savion 
Amen. 



?6 THIRD WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

A S many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God 
**■ . . . The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we 
are the children of God. — Rom. viii. 14, 16. 

Most blessed God, we desire to approach thy sacred 
presence on this the close of another day. Let our prayer 
come before thee as incense, and the lifting up of our hands 
as the evening sacrifice. Glory be to thy holy name, that 
though heaven is thy dwelling place, thou condescendest 
also to make every lowly heart thy habitation. Though 
thou art the greatest of all beings, thou art the kindest of 
all, and the best of all. 

We come, weak and helpless and burdened, to that 
cross where alone there is shelter and peace for the guilty. 
We will not cloak nor dissemble our manifold sins and 
wickedness before the face of thee, our Heavenly Father. 
We would confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, 
and obedient heart. 

Blessed Jesus, we rejoice to think of thee as thou now 
art, the unchanging Intercessor within the Veil, with all 
the might of infinite Godhead, and all the tenderness and 
pity of compassionate man. May we cleave to thee now, 
and serve thee now, that we may not be ashamed before 
thee at thy coming. Let it be our endeavor to show that 
we are Christians indeed, — living Epistles, known and read 
of all men. Let us be gentle, and kind, and forgiving. 
Let us not be betrayed into anger or uncharitableness. 
Let patience have its perfect work. May we be willing to 



FAMILY PRAYERS. J? 

do all, and to bear all, for the sake of him who hath done 
so much and borne so much for us. Give us a solemn 
sense of responsibility for every talent committed to our 
keeping. Let us feel that they are not given merely to be 
enjoyed by us, but to be employed for thee. Alive to our 
stewardship, may we lay them out for thy glory and for 
our own and our neighbors' good. 

Bless all our beloved friends ; remember them with 
thy special favor : — wherever they are, may they know the 
true blessedness of life, when spent in thy service. We 
pray for all poor afflicted ones. Ease their burdens — 
soothe their sorrows — dry their tears — enable them meekly 
to repose in thy covenant faithfulness and love. 

And now, Lord, what wait we for ? our hope is in 
thee. Most graciously answer us, not according to our 
own wishes, but according to what thou knowest would be 
best. We are poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon 
us. 

Guard us through the night. Give thine angels charge 
concerning us, that they may encamp round about us. 
Whether we wake or sleep, may we live together with thee. 
And all that we ask is for the sake of him whom thou hear- 
est always, and to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost we 
will ascribe all glory and honor, now and forever. Amen. 



7S THIRD WEEK. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 

"1 T'KRIIvY, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father 
▼ in my name, he will give it you. — John xvi. 23. 

Almighty Father, thou art from everlasting to ever- 
lasting God. We adore thee as the Author of our exist- 
ence, and the source of all our happiness. We desire to 
connect every blessing we possess with thee, the great 
Fountain-head. Thou alone, amid all changes, art the un- 
changing One. Heaven and earth shall pass' away, but 
thou are the same, and thy years shall not fail. 

We come, poor and needy, pleading thine own gra- 
cious promise to give "all sufficiency in all things" to those 
who seek thee. We have no offering of our own to present 
at thy footstool ; — we have everything to receive. There is 
nothing between us and everlasting destruction, but thy 
mercy in Jesus. 

Blessed Savior, do thou say unto each of us, " Your 
sins are forgiven you." Bring us to live, more and more 
every day, under the constraining influence of thy love. 
Being made free from sin, and having become thy covenant 
servants, may we have our fruit unto holiness. May we be 
gaining fresh victories over our secret corruptions. May 
the power of evil wax weaker and weaker; and the power 
of thy grace wax stronger and stronger. May we know, 
by joyful experience, the happiness of true holiness. 

Give us reverential and child- like submission to thy 
will. Finite wisdom has no place in thy dealings : not 
only are all things ordained by thee, but ordained in ineffa- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 79 

ble wisdom and love. May the end of thy dispensations 
be our growing sanctification. 

Mercifully accommodate the supplies of thy grace to 
the sons and daughters of sorrow. May they call upoq 
thee in the day of trouble, and do thou deliver them ; and 
though it may not be the deliverance they would have de- 
sired, may it lead them to " glorify thee." 

Look in kindness on our family circle ; may thy name 
be ever hallowed here; may we know the happiness of that 
household whose God is the Lord. Bless our beloved 
friends who may be absent from us. If separated from one 
another now, may we meet at last in the better country, and 
together enter into the joy of our Lord. Be thou with us 
throughout this day. May thy peace be upon us and upon 
all the Israel of God. Guide us by thy counsel ; strengthen 
us for duty ; and prepare us for trial. In all our ways we 
would acknowledge thee, and do thou direct our paths. 
And all we ask is for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



80 THIRD WEEK. 



THURSDAY EVENING. 

FOR the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifes- 
tation of the sons of God . . . Because the creature itself also 
shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious 
liberty of the children of God. — Romans viii. 19, 21. 

O God, thou art great and greatly to be feared, thy 
greatness is unsearchable. Heaven is thy throne, — the 
earth is thy footstool. Before thee, cherubim and seraphim 
continually do cry — Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God of 
Hosts: heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy 
glory. Thou art the sovereign controller of all events. 
Thou doest according to thy will in the armies of heaven 
and among the inhabitants of the earth. The Lord reign- 
eth. Man proposeth, but God disposeth ; and he disposeth 
wisely and well. 

We bless thee, that as sinners we are permitted to 
come, with all the load of our guilt, to a great Savior. We 
will arise and go to our Father ; we will say, Father, we 
have sinned against heaven and in thy sight, — we are no 
more worthy to be called thy children ! But do thou for 
Jesus' sake, thine own dear Son, have mercy upon us mis- 
erable offenders. Behold, O God, our shield : look upon 
us in the face of thine Anointed. Wash us in his blood ; 
clothe us with his righteousness : sanctify us by the indwell- 
ing of thy Holy Spirit, and present us at last, faultless be- 
fore the presence of thy glory with exceeding joy. 

May the life of Jesus be made manifest in our mortal 
flesh . May our citizenship be more in heaven ; may we 
bear upon us the lofty impress of those who are born from 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 8 1 

above, and for above, — and who declare plainly that they 
seek a better country. 

Whatever be the sphere in which thy good providence 
has placed us, may it be our earnest endeavor to use our 
time, and talents, and opportunities for thee. Our season 
of probation must soon be finished : may we work while it 
is called to-day, remembering that the night cometh. 

Look in kindness on thy church universal. Revive 
thy work in the midst of the years. Return, O Lord, and 
visit this vineyard which thine own right hand hath planted ; 
may every branch be laden with fruit ; found unto praise, 
and honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 

Compassionate the afflicted : comfort all who are cast 
down. Be the helper of the helpless ; the refuge of the 
distressed ; the father of the fatherless. May all mourning 
the loss of beloved friends be led to bow submissively to 
thy sovereign will, and look forward with joyful hearts to 
that better time and that better world, where the fountain 
of these tears shall be for ever dried. 

Give us all the heritage of thy grace and love, and then 
we shall be rich indeed. Many are saying, " Who will 
show us any good ?" May we have but one wish, " Lift 
thou, upon us and ours, the light of thy countenance." Be 
with us this night. It is thou, Lord, only who makest us 
to dwell in safety. When we lie down to rest, let the cur- 
tain of thy protecting providence be drawn around us, and 
when we awake may we still be with thee. And all that we 
ask is in the name and for the sake of the Lord Jesus 
to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and 
glory, world without end. Amen. 



82 THIRD WEEK. 



FRIDAY MORNING. 



JKAR not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
you the kingdom.— Luke xii. 32. 



O God, our heavenly Father, we desire, on this the 
morning of a new day, to bow before thy throne of grace. 
We thank thee for thy guardianship and care during the 
unconscious hours of sleep. Thou hast dispersed the dark- 
ness of another night, and permitted the sun once more to 
arise upon us. O thou better Sun of Righteousness, do 
thou disperse the deeper darkness of sin • shine on us with 
the brightness of thy rising; let us enjoy this day the bless- 
edness of peace with God. 

Lord Jesus, we commit our temporal and eternal inter- 
ests anew to thy keeping. Soul and body are thine by thy 
redemption purchase. May they become temples of the 
Holy Ghost, with this as their superscription, " Holiness to 
the Lord." May nothing that is unclean or that defileth 
enter therein. May it be our sovereign motive, to walk so 
as to please thee. May it be our heaviest cross and trial, 
to incur thy displeasure. Let us not be content with a 
mere name to live. Give us grace, that we may be enabled 
to do thy will and promote thy glory. In the performance 
of every-day duty, let us seek to make this the directory of 
our conduct — " How would Jesus have acted here ?" May 
we put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of 
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suf- 
fering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 83 

any have a quarrel against any, even as Christ hath forgiven 
us, so may we do also. 

We pray for all in sorrow. O thou God of all conso- 
lation, be a Father to the fatherless, a Husband to the 
widow, the stranger's shield, and the orphan's stay. Ena- 
ble thy suffering people to rest in thy love — saying, The 
Lord's will be done. 

Bless our beloved friends ; if there be any among them 
who are still strangers to thee, Lord, reveal to them thy 
dear Son in all his ability to save. Preserve us as a house- 
hold from danger and sin ; keep us in the hollow of thy 
hand ; and may death, when it comes, be to all of us the 
entrance to glory. May thy Church universal live in the 
unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace. Revive thy 
work in the midst of the years ; may the day soon arrive, 
when all ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God. 

Listen, gracious Father, to these our supplications ; 
when thou hearest, forgive ; and grant us an answer in 
peace, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



84 THIRD WEEK. 






FRIDAY EVENING. 

AND he said unto him, Son, thon art ever with me, and all that I 
have is thine. — Luke xv. 31. 

Gracious Father, we approach thy throne this evening, 
adoring thee as the God of our life and the length of our 
days. We bless thee for the many tokens of thy love daily 
bestowed upon us : for food and raiment — for health and 
strength — for friends and home — rfor all that brightens our 
pathway in life — for all that cheers and brightens our pros- 
pects beyond the grave. Lord, how often hast thou disap- 
pointed our fears, answered our prayers, and fulfilled our 
hopes ; how often has thy grace made arduous duties easy, 
and levelled mountains of difficulty ! How often, when our 
hearts were overwhelmed, hast thou led us to the Rock that 
is higher than we ; and given us help from trouble, when 
vain was the help of man ! 

We come anew to thee this night, weary and heavy- 
laden, beseeching thee to grant us the blessed sense of thy 
forgiving mercy. We lament that we do not feel, as we 
ought, the burden of sin. Show us the infinite adaptation 
of the Redeemer, in his person and work, to meet all the 
necessities of our tried and tempted natures. May his 
name be as ointment poured forth ; may his blood be our 
only plea — his love our animating principle — his glory our 
chief end. May our souls become holy altars from which 
the incense of obedience ascends continually. May we be 
enabled to do thy will and to Icroe thy will, because it is 
thine. May our eye be single that our whole body may be 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 85 

full of light. Oh keep us from temptation ; support and 
deliver us when we are tempted. May we be able to say, 
in reply to all the seductive allurements of the Evil One, 
" How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against 
God?" 

Sanctify affliction to all thine afflicted people. Let 
them know that Thy chastisements are mercies in disguise; 
that Thou watchest every sheep in the fold ; and when led 
out to the rougher parts of the wilderness, Thou " goest 
before them." 

We pray for those who are living without God, and 
therefore without hope. Let them not put off until it be 
too late ; until they are forced, with unavailing tears, to 
mourn wasted hours and forfeited opportunities. Convince 
every procrastinater that now is the accepted time, — that 
now is the day of salvation. 

Bless us, even us, O God, who are now bending at Thy 
mercy-seat ; rebuke our faithlessness — warm our love — 
quicken our graces : — let us live more constantly under the 
powers of a world to come. Ere we lie down on our 
nightly pillows, we would lay our sins afresh on the head 
of the Great Surety, that so we may retire to rest at peace 
with Thee; and if Thou seest meet to spare us till to-mor- 
row, may we rise fitted for all its duties. Hear these our 
humble supplications ; when Thou hearest, forgive ; and all 
that we ask is for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



86 THIRD WEEK. 



SATURDAY MORNING. 

F)UT now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou 
*-* our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. — Isa. lxiv. 8. 

Thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from 
everlasting. — Isa. lxiii. 16. 

Most blessed God, who art making the outgoings of 
the evening and the morning to rejoice over us — we desire 
to begin this new day with Thee. We bless Thee for Thy 
sparing mercy ; in having permitted us once more to lie 
down to sleep, and to awake in safety and comfort ; may we 
be enabled, as dependents on thy bounty, to receive every 
returning morning as a fresh pledge of thy love. 

We confess, O God, our unworthiness ; the alienation 
of our hearts from thyself, the source of all life and joy and 
blessedness. But we bless thee, that where sin abounded, 
grace hath much more abounded. Thanks be unto God 
for his unspeakable gift ; for all that Jesus died to purchase, 
and which he is now exalted to bestow. 

O thou Lamb of God — thou spotless, sinless Victim — 
we rely on thy most precious Sacrifice. Lord, may our 
daily walk be more circumspect and holy. Let us follow 
thy will whatever it may be — though, at times, it may be at 
variance with our own, — feeling that the Judge of all the 
earth must do right, and cannot do wrong. In the spirit of 
Jesus may we have grace to say — " Even so, Father, for so 
it seems good in thy sight." Above all, preserve us from 
the temptations of a world lying in wickedness. May we 
seek to walk circumspectly : remembering that our time is 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 87 

short; that we have much to do, and a brief time for do- 
ing it. 

We entreat thee to look down in special mercy on our 
household. Visit us all with the love which thou bearest 
to thine own. May the young be guided through the slip- 
pery paths of youth ; may they be enabled early to range 
themselves on the Lord's side — early to seek thee, that they 
may early find thee. Bless those that are absent from us ; 
— may they be shielded by thy good providence ; — make 
them all the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. 

Good Lord, be with us during this day ; grant us that 
blessing which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with 
it; and when all our days are ended, do thou receive us 
into everlasting habitations, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our 
only Lord and Savior ; to whom with thee the Father, and 
thee ever blessed Spirit, be ascribed all blessing and honor 
and glory and praise, world without end. Amen. 



88 



THIRD WEEK. 



SATURDAY EVENING. 



w 



HOM the Lord loveth he correcteth, even as a father the son in 
whom he <lelighteth. — Prov. iii. 12. 



O Lord, we approach thy sacred presence, on this the 
close of another day, and the end of another week, adoring 
thee for thy great goodness. We desire, with united hearts, 
to set up our Ebenezer of thankfulness, and to say, " Hith- 
erto hath the Lord helped us." We are utterly unworthy 
of the least of all thy mercies. If thou hadst dealt with us 
as we deserve, or rewarded us according to our iniquities, 
we could not answer for one of a thousand. Through the 
doing and dying of Jesus, the law has been disarmed of its 
condemning power; all its penalties have been borne; death 
itself has been stript of its terrors, and the Kingdom of 
Heaven opened to all believers. 

Lord, after such a pledge of thy love, in not sparing 
thine own Son, we believe thou wilt with him also freely 
give us all things. If thou sendest us prosperity, may we 
be enabled to give thee the return of grateful hearts, and 
obedient, submissive lives. If thou deny us earthly bliss 
and earthly happiness, let us accept the denial as the will of 
Infinite Goodness. We will put our trust in thee. In thee 
we are as secure as everlasting power and wisdon and love 
can make us. If there be times when we are led to ex- 
claim — " Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself," we will 
look forward with joy to that better world, where mystery 
shall give way to perfect knowledge. Lord, make us more 
holy ; sanctify us through thy truth ; keep us watchful ; 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 89 

keep us humble ; keep us from unchristian tempers ; keep 
us from all pride, vain glory, and hypocrisy. Let us culti- 
vate an habitual, realizing sense of thy divine presence ; and 
in our worldly work and calling, whatsoever we do, may 
we do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men. 

We pray for others as well as for ourselves. Draw 
near in mercy this night to any who may be in sorrow and 
distress, or who may be mourning the loss of beloved rela- 
tives. Do thou sanctify their trials; — may these yield the 
peaceable fruits of righteousness. 

Bless our beloved friends ; write their names in the 
Lamb's book of life. Bless us who are now surrounding 
thy footstool ; do thou spare us long together as an un- 
broken circle on earth ; and when we shall be called to 
leave behind us this lower valley, may we be conducted 
into those blessed regions, which eye hath not seen, nor ear 
heard ; where there shall be no more parting ; and where 
we shall stand without fault before thy throne. 

We commend ourselves to thy Fatherly protection 
during the silent watches of the night. Do thou give us 
undisturbed repose and refreshing sleep ; — may we be per- 
mitted to lie down in thy fear, and to awake in thy favor, 
fitted and prepared for the duties and services of thy holy 
day. And all that we ask is for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



go FOURTH WEEK. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 

/^* O to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father 
^-* and your Father; and to my God, and your God. — John xx. 17. 

I will not leave you comfortless [orphans] : I will come to you. — 
John xiv. 18. 

We will extol thee, our God, O King, we will bless thy 
name for ever and ever ; every day will we bless thee, and 
we will praise thy name for ever and ever. We thank thee 
for the return of another Sabbath. Again hast thou per- 
mitted us to awake in safty, and not suffered our eyes to sleep 
the sleep of death. May it prove a holy day of rest to each 
of us ; a rest from sin and a rest in God. May we welcome 
with gladness of heart the return of these peaceful hours. 
May all vain and worldly thoughts be set aside ; and may 
we be enabled to worship thee in the beauty of holiness. 

But where withal, Lord, shall we come into thy pres- 
ence? Our very prayers might be enough to condemn us. 
Our purest services, if weighed in the balances, might rise 
up in judgement against us. 

We come anew in the name of thy dear Son, confess- 
ing, and desiring deeply to feel as we confess, that we are 
sinners. We look to grace abounding over sin, — to infinite 
merit abounding over infinite demerit, — the everlasting 
righteousness and faithfulness of a tried Redeemer, coming 
in the room of our imperfections. We bless thee that 
Christ ever liveth and reigneth for our justification. We 
rejoice to think of him as our Great High Priest, with the 
names of his covenant people engraven on his heart, bear- 
ing them along with him in his every approach to the 
throne : — that all power in heaven and in earth is intrusted 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 9 1 

to his hands ; — nothing befalls us but by his direction, — 
nothing is appointed us but what he sees to be for cur 
good. 

Lord Jesus, we commit our temporal and our everlast- 
ing interests to thy keeping. We rejoice that to thee we 
can confidently intrust them. Undertake thou for us. 
Carry on within us thine own work in thine own way. 
Keep us from all evil that is likely to grieve us. May we 
know the truth of thine own gracious promise, " As thy 
day is, so shall thy strength be." 

We pray for all in sickness and distress ; for those 
deprived of beloved relatives, and who are mourning those 
who " are not." May it please thee to bind up their 
wounds, and to soothe their sorrows: direct the unwavering 
eye of faith to that better world, where every weight of suf- 
fering shall be exchanged for the exceeding weight of glory, 
and where God shall wipe away all tears from off all faces. 

Bless our own family and friends, both present and 
absent. May the invisible chain of thy covenant-love bind 
us all together. Strengthen this day the ministers of the 
everlasting gospel ; may great grace be imparted to them ; 
may they come forth fully fraught with the blessings of the 
gospel of peace : and may all thy churches, walking in the 
fear of God and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, every- 
where be multiplied. Promote unity and concord among 
thy true people. May that predicted period soon arrive, 
when Ephraim shall not vex Judah, nor Judah vex Eph- 
raim ; when all shall see eye to eye and heart to heart. 

Take us now under thy care, and enable us, whether 
waking or sleeping, to live together with thee ; and all that 
we ask is for the sake of him whom thou hearest always ; 
to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honor and 
praise, world without end. Amen. 



92 FOURTH WEEK. 



SUNDAY EVENING. 

GIVING thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in 
the name of our I^ord Jesus Christ. — Eph. v. 20. 

Most blessed God, whose nature and whose name is 
love, we desire to draw near into thy gracious presence on 
this the close of another Sabbath. We thank thee for all 
the tokens of thy mercy we have been permitted to enjoy. 
Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far 
spent. Under the realizing sense of thy presence and near- 
ness, we would compose ourselves to rest, with our minds 
stayed on thee. 

We desire anew to bless and praise thee for thine un- 
speakable gift — Jesus the Son of thy love. There is not a 
ray of hope which visits our souls, but emanates from his 
cross. He is the channel of every blessing. We rejoice to 
think that he is as willing as he is able to save " to the utter- 
most :" that at this moment he is with undying and un- 
diminished love, pleading our cause at the mercy seat. 

Do thou follow with thine enriching blessing all the 
services of the sanctuary. May thy word be quick and 
powerful: — forbid that impressions be suffered to die away; 
— do thou fasten them as a nail in a sure place ; — and may 
the Sabbath duties and employments diffuse their solemnity 
around us throughout the week. 

We remember, with affectionate sympathy, the poor, 
the destitute, and " him that hath no helper ; " — the sick — 
the bereaved — the dying. Lord, draw near to all such ; let 
them know that thou hast grace in store for their every time 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 93 

of need, and that there is no want to them that fear thee. 
We desire for our friends thy benediction and blessing : the 
Lord watch between them and us when we are absent one 
from another: O thou omnipresent God, do thou show that 
no distance can sever from thee, — give them every token of 
thy love, — preserve them from danger, — guard them from 
temptation, — number them with thy saints in glory ever- 
lasting. Bless the lambs of the flock — Shepherd of Israel ! 
make them thine ; — bringing them to the fold of grace on 
earth, and to thy heaven of glory hereafter. 

Bless that branch of thy chnrch with which we are 
connected ; bless thy holy church universal. Have mercy 
on those who are still sitting in darkness and in the region 
and shadow of death. May a lifted-up Savior, by the attrac- 
tive power of his cross, draw all men unto him. 

We commend us, blessed Lord, to thee, and to the 
word of thy grace. Do thou watch over us during the un- 
conscious hours of sleep. May we awake in the morning 
in thy favor ; that so every new day being spent to thy 
glory, may find us better fitted for entering on the joys of 
thine everlasting kingdom; through the merits of Jesus 
Christ, our only Savior. Amen. 



94 FOURTH WEEK. 



MONDAY MORNING. 

BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, 
that we should be called the sons of God. — i John iii. i. 

O God, thou art the Infinite, Eternal, Unchangeable 
Jehovah ; thou art exhalted far above our adorations and 
praises : angels and archangels veil their faces with their 
wings in thy presence, and cry out, " Unclean, unclean !" 

We come, casting ourselves on thy free grace and 
mercy in Christ. We rejoice that for the greatest sins 
there is a great and all sufficient Savior. There is no load 
we have, but he who bore our transgression is able and 
willing to remove it. We will rejoice in the Lord, our 
souls will be joyful in our God, for he hath clothed us with 
the garments of salvation, he hath covered us with a robe 
of righteousness. 

Thou dost set us in families, and thou dost make men 
to be of one mind in a house. Let it be so in this house 
to-day ; may we all be of one mind, and live together in 
peace, as a Christian household. Make us ready to help 
each other, and teach us to be merciful to one another's 
faults. Keep us from provoking one another in word or 
deed, and make us willing to forgive. 

Enable us to walk as it becometh thy children. Give 
us a holy fear of offending thee. May we feel all sins to be 
grievous in thy sight : but may it be our special desire to 
gain fresh victories over our besetting sins, and to be more 
and more fortified against the assaults of temptation. 
Strengthen us with might by thy Spirit in the inner man. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 95 

Make thy grace sufficient for us, and perfect strength [in 
weakness. 

We pray not for ourselves only, but for all whom we 
ought to remember at a throne of grace. If there be any 
in whom we are interested who are still far from thee, bring 
them nigh by the same precious blood. If any are still 
loitering and lingering, may they hear thy voice, saying, — 
" Escape for thy life, lest thou be consumed. " If there be 
any backsliding, Lord, reclaim them. If there be any sor- 
rowing, Lord, comfort them. Bind up their broken hearts. 
Give them thyself — the better portion which never can be 
taken from them. Thy way is often in the sea, and thy 
path in the deep waters. But " the Lord reigneth " — may 
this quiet all doubts. May we wait in patience the great 
day of disclosures, when " in thy light we shall see light." 

Look down in mercy on our family and household ; 
let it be a garden which the Lord hath blessed. May we 
live in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace. 
Keep us this day without sin. Be thou our Shepherd, and 
we shall not want. Keep us from, and keep from us, all 
that would be injurious to our souls' interests ; and, when 
time shall be no longer, may we meet in the unclouded 
sunshine of thy presence ; through Jesus Christ, our blessed 
Lord and Savior. Amen. 



96 FOURTH WEEK. 






MONDAY EVENING. 

\T^B have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear ; but ye 
* have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, 
Father." — Rom. viii. 15. 

Most gracious God, Father of all mercies, thou art the 
King of kings and the Lord of lords ; — the Heaven, even 
the Heaven of heavens, cannot contain thee. Myriads of 
blessed spirits are continually adoring thee. How shall we, 
dust and ashes, presume to lift up our eyes to the place 
where thou in glory dwellest ? 

To thee, O God, we commit the keeping of our tem- 
poral and eternal interests. We cannot be in better hands 
than in thine. Whether it be to do, or to bear thy will, 
may it be ours meekly to say, " Even so, Father ! " What- 
ever may most conduce to thy glory and our good, do thou 
appoint for us. Be thou ever near us ; gladdening us with 
the continual sense of thy presence and favor. Give us 
grace ever to realize how short and uncertain our lives are; 
we cannot tell what a day or an hour may bring forth. 
Whatsoever our hand findeth to do, may we do it with our 
might, remembering that there is no device, nor work, nor 
labor, in the grave whither we are going. 

Bless all our dear friends ; let them be related to thee 
in the better bonds of the everlasting covenant ; preserve 
their bodies from danger, and their souls from sin. May 
our household be a household of faith. 

Give us, for our Savior's sake, pardon for all our sins. 
In his name we beseech thee to take away all our iniquity, 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 97 

to receive us graciously, to love us freely. Let not one un- 
pardoned sin remain upon us this night. 

Bless all who have been kind to us to-day; return their 
kindness to them sevenfold. Forgive any who have injured 
us, or spoken against us ; forgive and bless them. 

Bless those in sorrow. Let this be their comfort in 
their affliction — " If we suffer with him, we shall be also 
glorified together : " and let them look forward to that hour, 
when their sorrow shall be turned into joy; when God 
himself shall be with them and be their God, and when all 
tears shall be wiped from off all faces. 

Give each of us grace to be so living, that ours at last 
may be an " abundant entrance " into thine everlasting 
Kingdom. Keep us waiting — keep us watching; that 
when the cry shall be heard in the midst of the heavens, 
" Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," we may be able joy- 
fully to respond, " Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come 
quickly." Ere we lie down to sleep this night, renew to 
us the gracious sense of sin forgiven ; and if spared till 
to-morrow, let us rise refreshed for duty, and fitted for thy 
service. And all that we ask, is for the sake of him whom 
thou hearest always, and to whom with thee, the Father, 
and thee, O blessed Spirit, one God, be everlasting praise, 
honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 



98 FOURTH WEEK. 



TUESDAY MORNING. 



LJ B that overcometh shall inherit all things ; and I will be his God, 
* * and he shall be my son. — Rev. xxi. 7. 



Almighty and everlasting Jehovah, thou art the heart- 
searching and rein trying God; thou art of purer eyes than 
to behold iniquity ; evil cannot dwell with thee. Thou 
hast solemnly declared that thou canst by no means clear 
the guilty. It is only because of thy mercies in Christ, that 
we are not consumed. 

We bless thee for all that Jesus hath done — for all that 
he is willing to do. We bless thee that he is now exalted 
a Prince and a Savior ; that having purged our sins, he has 
forever sat down on the right hand of God : and that there 
he must reign until he hath put all enemies under his feet. 
Our earnest prayer is, that each of us may be personally 
and everlastingly interested in his great salvation. May he 
be precious to us in all his offices, as our Prophet, Priest 
and King ; ruling over us and within us ; making our 
hearts the habitations of God through the Spirit. 

Have mercy upon those who are still far from thee. 
Cause them in their sad and unresting hours of estrange- 
ment to think of the Father's heart, the Father's home, the 
Father's welome. Deepen in them a sense of the misery of 
alienation, and the happiness of a full and gracious retora- 
tion to favor and peace. Confirm the irresolute and waver- 
ing in unswerving loyalty and love. 

Seeing thou hast loved us with an everlasting love, 
may we not requite thee with coldness and unthankfulness, 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 99 

— or give thee the wrecks of " a worn and withered affec- 
tion." May the best of our thoughts, and the best of our 
lives, be surrendered to thy service. We would cast all our 
cares, and every individual care, on thee ; knowing and re- 
joicing that thou " carest for us." Let us trust thee in 
everything ; let us see thy faithfulness in every event in 
our chequered and changing histories. How thou hast 
smoothed our way in the past ! By thee, our crosses have 
been lightened; our fears disappointed, our fondest hopes 
fulfilled. We will trust thee in the future. Let us feel that 
the great Shepherd, who gave his life for the sheep, cannot 
lead us wrong. 

Bless our dear friends; may the Lord be their keeper; 
may the sun not smite them by day, nor the moon by 
night. Do thou preserve them from all evil, in their going 
out and in their coming in, from this time, henceforth, and 
even for evermore. 

Be thou with us throughout this day ; sanctify all its 
duties ; go with us where we go, dwell with us where we 
dwell : guide us, while we live, by thy counsel, and after- 
wards receive us into thy glory. Hear us, gracious God, 
and accept of us for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



100 



FOURTH WEEK. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 



BKHOIyD the fowls of the air : for they sow not, neither do they 
reap, nor gather into barns; yet yonr heavenly Father feedeth 
them. — Matt. vi. 26. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and one of them shall 
not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, 
ye are of more value than many sparrows. — Matt. x. 29, 31. 

Heavenly Father, who hast in thy good providence 
permitted us to meet together this night, be pleased, of 
thine infinite mercy, to grant us thy blessing. Scatter our 
darkness with the beams of thy love. Dispel all harassing 
thoughts, and misgivings, and disquietudes ; ere we retire 
to rest may our souls be stayed on thee. Unto us, O Lord, 
belong shame and confusion of face. We mourn that we 
feel so inadequately our guilt and unworthiness. We often 
confess with the lip what the heart does not feel. We often 
appear to be humble, when we are not humble, — when our 
hearts are full of self, and pride, and vain glory. 

We desire to come anew into thy presence, casting 
ourselves on the free grace, and love, and mercy of Jesus. 
We rejoice that in his cross all thine attributes have been 
magnified. Thou art now proclaiming to the vilest and 
unworthiest, that thou hast no pleasure in the death of the 
wicked, but rather that he would turn from his wickedness 
and live. May we be willing to be anything, and to do any- 
thing, and to suffer anything for that Savior, who hath 
done and suffered so much for us ; may our only grief be 
" to give him pain " — may our "joy be to serve and follow 
him." 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 10 1 

We desire to remember before thee all whom we love. 
Do thou pour thy richest benediction on this our house- 
hold. Known unto thee are all our varied circumstances, 
our peculiar trials, and temptations, and perplexities. Our 
every burden we cast on a faithful God. Our souls, our 
lives, our cares, we leave entirely in thy hands, saying, 
" Undertake thou for us." 

Pity the afflicted. Be thou the father of the fatherless, 
the husband of the widow, the stranger's shield, and the 
orphan's stay ; let them know that when heart and flesh 
faint and fail, thou art the strength of their heart, and their 
portion forever. 

Make us and all our dear friends partakers in the glad- 
ness and glory of Christ's resurrection life. May we be one 
in and with him now, that so the tenderest ties of earth may 
be perpetuated before thy throne, and the unstable unions 
here be there rendered indissoluble. 

We now commend us all to thy gracious keeping. 
The darkness of night has gathered around us ; but do 
thou lift upon us, O God, the light of thy countenance : — 
it cannot be night if thou art near. Watch over us during 
sleep, and when we awake may we be still with thee. We 
ask these, and all other blessings, trusting in the merits and 
mediation of Jesus Christ, thine only Son, our Savior, who 
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever liveth and 
reigneth, world without end. Amen. 



102 FOURTH WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

FEATHER, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am 
* no more worthy to be called thy son. — I^uke xv. 18, 19. 

Gracious Father, source and giver of every good and 
every perfect gift — do thou draw near to us this day in thine 
undeserved kindness, — visit us with that love which thou 
bearest unto thine own. 

We are receiving, morning after morning, new proofs 
of thy care — new pledges of thy mercy. Thou art loading 
us with thy benefits, though we have been ungrateful and 
unthankful. It is in the name, and trusting in the merits of 
thy dear Son alone, that we can have any confidence in ap- 
proaching thee. We rejoice that we have ever a safe shel- 
ter at the foot of his cross. 

Lord Jesus, stretch forth thy helping hand. Save us, 
else we perish. There is not a sin but thou canst cancel ; — 
there is not the unsanctified heart which thy promised 
spirit is unable to convert into a temple of the living God. 
Do thou keep us from evil : preserve us from temptation. 
As good soldiers may we range ourselves under thy ban- 
ner ; animated by holy allegiance to him who is the great 
captain of our salvation. We would seek to repose on the 
divine promises. May our weakness drive us to almighty 
strength. Good Lord, keep us, by thy grace, from an uneven 
walk, from inconsistency of conduct. May we be gentle, and 
lowly, meek, and forgiving. May we overcome evil with 
good. 

Do thou bless this family and household. May it be 



FAMILY PRAYERS. IO3 

one of the tabernacles of the righteous, where the voice of 
joy and melody is often heard. 

We pray for all in sorrow ; may they look to the hand 
which was pierced for them, to bind up their bleeding 
wounds. May he who graciously said of old, " I know 
their sorrows," be near, with his own exalted sympathy, to 
minister to their varied experiences of trial. 

We pray for thy cause throughout the world. Bless 
our nation ; may it be the honored instrument, among the 
kingdoms of the earth, in greatly promoting the glory of 
God. Bless every rank and condition ; may thy favor en- 
compass all as with a shield. 

May the Lord arise, and have mercy upon Zion. 
Prince of Peace, take to thyself thy great power and reign ! 
Go forth in thy glorious apparel, travelling in the greatness 
of thy strength ; manifest thyself as " mighty to save." 
Let thy glorious gospel be everywhere proclaimed, with its 
sublime messages: May it heal all wounds, and redress all 
wrongs ; may it rescue the tempted, and save the lost ! 

Be thou with us, blessed Lord, this day. May thine 
angels encamp round about us and keep us in all our ways ; 
and when we come to die, do thou receive us into everlast- 
ing habitations, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only 
Savior. Amen. 



104 EOURTII WEEK. 






WEDNESDAY EVENING. 



BK ye therefore perfeet, even as your leather which is in heaven is 
perfect.— Matt. v. 48. 



Most blessed God, thou giver of all grace, draw thou 
near to us ; enable us to end another day with thee, and to 
retire to rest, in the conscious possession of thy friendship 
and love. 

What are we, that we should be permitted to approach 
such a glorious and infinite God ! We are dust and ashes, 
— creatures of a day — who might, long ere now, have been 
righteously spurned from thy presence. Blessed be thy 
great and holy name, for all the manifold proofs of thy 
favor. Thy ways are not as our ways ; had they been so, 
we must all of us have perished without hope. Do thou 
give to each of us this night, to know the blessedness of 
being at peace with thee, — of taking hold on that everlasting 
covenant, which is well-ordered in all things and sure ; look- 
ing away from our guilty selves and our guilty doings, to 
him who has done all and suffered all, and procured all for 
us. 

May we feel it to be our joy to serve him, our privilege 
to follow him, our sorrow to vex and grieve him. Take us 
and use us for thy glory; — sanctify our affections — elevate 
our desires. Keep us from being over-careful and over- 
troubled about earth's many things ; — enable us to be more 
solicitous about the one thing needful ; may we be covet- 
ous only of the solid and durable riches of eternity. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 105 

Bless our beloved relatives ; may they all be enabled 
to claim a common kindred with the one Elder Brother on 
the throne. Though separated from one another now, may 
thy blessed angels gather us together, at last, in the same 
bundle, for the Heavenly Garner. 

Let none put off preparation for death till a dying 
hour: — a present hour is all that we can call our own ; — 
may we be living in that state of holy preparedness, that 
when the silver cord, by which life is suspended, is broken, 
we may be ushered into thy presence, and into the enjoy- 
ment of glory everlasting. 

Look down on thy church everywhere throughout the 
world; — purify her more and more; — may no weapon 
formed against her prosper ; may her ministers be men of 
God, and may her saints and people shout aloud for joy. 
Do thou satisfy Zion's poor with bread. May every 
afflicted one partake of thine own consolations, and be led 
meekly to say, " the Lord's will be done." 

Graciously take the charge of us during this night. 
We commend us all to thy fatherly protection and care ; — 
whether we wake or sleep may we live together with thee. 
And all we ask is for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



106 FOURTH WEEK. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 

FJHIIvIP said unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufliceth 
* us. Jesus said unto him, He that hath seen me hath seen the 
Father. — John xiv. 8, 9. 

O Lord, we desire to approach the footstool of thy 
throne, adoring thee as the everlasting God, the Lord, the 
Creator of the ends of the earth, who faintest not, neither 
art weary. Thy wisdom never fails — thy resources never 
exhaust. The kindness of the kindest knows a limit, but 
thy kindness knows no limit. With thy friendship, and 
favor, and blessing we are rich, whatever else thou mayest 
take away. Change is written on all around us — time may 
estrange the nearest and dearest on earth, but " thou art 
the same ; " — loving us at the beginning, thou wilt love us 
unto the end. 

We come unto thee this morning in the name of 
thy dear Son. Our sins reach unto the clouds — we cannot 
answer for one of a thousand ; but we rejoice that we can 
look up to him who has answered for us. Blessed Savior, 
we would bury all our transgressions in the depths of thy 
forgiving mercy. We seek no other refuge, and need no 
other refuge, but thee. Relying on thy finished work, we 
can look calm and undismayed on the unknown future. 
We can cast all our cares, as they arise, upon thee, feeling 
not only that thou carest for us, but that thou makest these 
cares thine own. We can look forward to the last enemy 
— to death inself, without alarm ; the rays of thy love will 
disperse the gloom of the dark valley, and cause us to re- 
joice in hopes full of immortality. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 107 

Sanctify thy providential dealings to the sons and daugh- 
ters of affliction. May they come forth from the furnace 
purified as gold. Spare useful and valued lives ; and may 
those appointed to death fall sweetly asleep in Jesus, in the 
sure and certain hope of a resurrection to eternal life. 

Bless thy church everywhere ; may all its ministers be 
men of God, valiant for the truth ; warning every man, and 
teaching every man in all wisdom. Sustain the faith of 
those, who, amid manifold discouragements, are laboring in 
heathen lands : may the Lord send his angel to stand by 
them, and to shut the mouth of every gainsayer. Hasten 
that glorious time, when the year of thy redeemed shall 
come, and the whole earth shall be filled with thy glory. 

Bless all of us who are here assembled. Known unto 
thee are our several wants, and temptations, and perplexities. 
Make thy grace sufficient for us. May a sense of thy pres- 
ence hallow all the day's duties, and lighten all its trials. 
Go with us where we go : dwell with us where we dwell. 
May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
keep our hearts. And all we ask is for the sake of him 
whom thou hearest always — Jesus Christ, our only Lord 
and Savior. Amen. 






108 FOURTH WEEK. 



THURSDAY EVENING. 



AS the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in 
my love. — John xv. 9. 

Most blessed Lord, Father of all mercies, thou art from 
everlasting to everlasting God ; the same yesterday, and to- 
day, and forever. During the past day, many of our fellow- 
beings have gone into eternity ; — we are spared. Thou 
hast been compassing our path — shielding us from danger, 
and guarding us from temptation. None is so able, none 
is so willing, as thou art, to befriend and guide us in every 
perplexity. 

We desire this night to retire to rest, in the assured con- 
fidence of thy favor. Forgive all the sins of the past day — 
its sins of omission and commission, — of thought, and 
word, and deed ; — whatever has been inconsistent with thy 
pure and holy will. Make us more zealous for thy honor 
and glory; — may we maintain a constant and habitual 
hatred of those sins which have so long severed us from 
thee. 

Bless all who are in affliction. May they be led to 
lean confidingly on the arm of Jesus, and they shall be more 
than conquerors. 

We pray for the whole world. Pity the nations that 
are sunk in heathen darkness. May they know thee, as a 
prayer-hearing, a prayer-answering, a covenant-keeping 
God. Direct their hearts into thy love, and into the patient, 
waiting for Christ. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. IO9 

Own every means for the promotion of thy cause. 
May the divine Dove of Peace brood, as he did over chaos 
of old, bringing light out of darkness, and order out of con- 
fusion. May we all feel, in our varied spheres of influence, 
that we have some mission, however lowly, to perform for 
thee, and for the good of others. Give the single eye, and 
the single aim, and the lofty unalloyed motive. 

Bless our household. May the joy of the Lord be our 
strength. May we feel that in keeping thy commandments 
there is a great reward. As the pillar of cloud goes before 
us by day, may the pillar of fire be with us by night. May 
angels gather around us during the unconscious hours of 
sleep ; — may no danger befall us, and no plague come nigh 
our dwelling. If pleased to spare us till to-morrow, may 
we rise fitted and prepared for all the duties to which we 
may be called. 

And now unto him who alone is able to keep us from 
falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of 
his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God and our 
Savior, be ascribed all blessing and honor, dominion and 
praise, world without end. Amen. 



I IO FOURTH WEEK. 



FRIDAY MORNING. 



I N my Father's house are many mansions . . I go to prepare a place 
*■ for you. — John xiv. 2. 



Almighty and most merciful Father, thou art great and 
greatly to be feared ; thy greatness is unsearchable. Thou 
art infinite in wisdom, and power, and love ; thy justice is 
as the great mountains, thy judgments are a great deep. 

Lord, our hearts- are by nature deceitful above all 
things and desperately wicked. We have done those things 
we ought not to have done, and we have left undone those 
things which we ought to have done, and there is no health 
in us. Have mercy upon us, for his sake, in whom thou 
seest no iniquity. We have nothing of our own but our 
sins ; all that is good in us comes from him ; we would con- 
fidently repose cur everlasting interests on his finished 
work. 

May it be our lofty aim to be the servants of righteous- 
ness : may we show that the influence of thy goodness and 
loving-kindness is to lead us to repentance, — to reclaim 
our hearts from their wanderings, and bring them into cap- 
tivity to the obedience of Jesus. We desire to take him in 
all things as our pattern. When in want of direction or 
guidance in any duty, or under any perplexity, may this be 
ever our inquiry — how would the Savior have acted here ? 
May life be a more constant effort than it has been, to cru- 
cify self and to please God. Let us be willing to accept of 
anything with thy approval, and to dread nothing but what 



FAMILY PRAYERS. Ill 

incurs thy wrath and displeasure. In our varied spheres 
may we seek to feel that we have some work to perform — 
some talent to trade on. Let us cast by faith our mites 
into thy treasury, that we may earn at last this thine own 
meed of approbation, — " They have done what they could." 

Let thy hand be around all our beloved friends, pre- 
sent or absent. Inscribe their names in the Lamb's Book 
of Life ; may they be thine on that day when thou makest 
up thy jewels. Sanctify sorrow to the sons and daughters 
of affliction ; let them not murmur under thy Fatherly chas- 
tisements ; let them own thy Sovereignty, and take comfort 
in the thought that thou doest all thing well. 

We commend us, blessed Lord, to thee, and to the 
word of thy grace. Do thou hear, answer, and accept of 
us, for the sake of him who thou hearest always, and to 
whom, with thee, the Father, and thee ever blessed Spirit, 
— Three in One, in covenant for our redemption, — be as- 
cribed all blessing, and honor, and glory, and praise, world 
without end. Amen. 



112 FOURTH WEEK. 



FRIDAY EVENING. 



I S Ephraim my dear son ? is he a pleasant child ? for since I spake 
* against him, I do earnestly remember him still . . I will surely 
have mercy upon him, saith the L,ord. — Jer. xxxi. 20. 



O Lord, we desire to approach thy throne of grace, 
thanking thee for the liberty of access we at all times enjoy 
into thy presence. We bless thee that the gates of prayer 
are ever open ; — that thou regardest the cry of the needy, 
and never sayest unto any of the seed of Jacob, " Seek ye 
my face in vain." 

Blessed Jesus, thou great covenant angel, let down thy 
golden censer into the midst of us this night, that we may 
have these our petitions perfumed with the incense of thine 
adorable merits. In thee alone are our persons and our 
services rendered acceptable. We flee to the foot of thy 
cross. Here we are safe, though everywhere else we be in 
danger. Let us exercise a simple confidence and trust in 
thy completed work. We bring every sin to thy atoning 
blood — every wound to thy healing. May we have thee 
in all, and for all the duties and difficulties and trials of 
life. Do thou disarm all its crosses — sanctify its losses : — 
may prosperity and adversity be alike used for thy glory. 

Let us hate evil; — keep us especially from presump- 
tuous sins, let them not have dominion over us. Loving 
thee our God, may we love our fellow-men ; may we be 
patient and unselfish, forbearing and forgiving, lowly and 
meek, pitiful and courteous. Let us overcome evil with 
good. May all our things be done with charity. May we 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 113 

show, by our Christ-like walk and conversation, what spirit 
we are of; not conformed to the sinful practices and base 
compliances of a world lying in wickedness, — but seeking 
to have our conduct moulded in conformity with thy holy 
will. 

Thou sympathising Savior, be the friend of the friend- 
less ; the support and solace of the bereaved. There are 
nameless sorrows on earth which are beyond the reach of 
the tenderest human sympathy — blessed Jesus, thou knoW- 
est their sorrows. Let all thy tried people with joy antici- 
pate that gladsome morning, when the shadow of death 
shall be merged in eternal glory. 

Bless our beloved friends ; — may thy loving eye rest 
upon them ; may a sense of thy favor pervade all their do- 
ings. May none be found wanting at thy right hand, on the 
great day. 

Let us seek to order our plans as dying creatures. 
Night after night, as we retire to rest, may we think of that 
deeper darkness, which must, sooner or later, gather 
around us. Shepherd of Israel, who never slumbers and 
never sleeps, be thou very near us. As we now retire to 
rest, may we repose in thy keeping ; and in the morning, 
when we rise, may we rise refreshed for duty, — fitted for 
whatsoever may be in store for us. 

Hear us, blessed God, and grant us an abundant 
answer, for the sake of him whom thou hearest always. 
Amen. 



114 FOURTH WEEK. 



SATURDAY MORNING. 

LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good 
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. — Matt. v. 16. 

O Lord, we desire to come into thy blessed presence 
on this the morning of a new day, adoring thee for all thy 
mercies. Last night we might have slept the sleep of 
death ; we might have been startled by the midnight cry, 
" Prepare to meet thy God ! " But thy love and forbear- 
ance again permit us to meet on praying ground ; the day 
of grace is lengthened, and the God of grace waits to be 
gracious. 

Lord, we look back with amazement at thy patience. 
Mercies have been abused — providences slighted — warn- 
ing neglected. Our lives contain a long retrospect of in- 
gratitude and guilt. 

But thou art not willing to leave us in our state of 
estrangement and sin. Thou art ever opening up a way 
for the return of thy prodigal wayward children. In wrath 
thou art remembering mercy. We have still the richest 
encouragement to repair to the opened fountain ; Jesus still 
waits — his blood still cleanses — his spirit still pleads. The 
faithful saying is as faithful as ever — " Him that cometh 
unto me I will in no wise cast out." 

We desire to receive this new day as a fresh gift from 
thee. Let thine approval form, throughout it, a holy 
incentive to every duty. Let us feel that we never can be 
happy but when pleasing thee. Let us be aiming at a con- 
quest of self ; subordinating all we do to thy will and ser- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I I 5 

vice. We look to thy grace to enable us thus to will and 
to do. Thou hast wrought s\\for us, and thou alone canst 
work all in us. Strengthen us with might by thy Spirit in 
the inner man. How slow we are to believe that our truest 
security is leaning confidingly on thine arm. Thou art 
faithful that promised. Thy name is the God of all grace ! 
thou givest all sufficiency in all things. The cup runneth 
over that is filled by thee — and nothing can come wrong to 
us that comes from thy hand. 

Bless all near and dear to us : all that is truly good 
for them, in this life, do thou bestow ; and, what is better, 
do thou give them the heritage of glory. 

Take us all, young and old, this day under thy protec- 
tion. God of all mercy, spread thy covering wings around 
us. Be our God and guide even unto death, and finally 
bring us to thine everlasting kingdom through the merits 
of thy dear Son, our only Lord and Savior, to whom be 
dominion, power and glory, now and evermore. Amen. 



Il6 FOURTH WEEK. 



SATURDAY EVENING. 



'T^HK father said to one of his servants, Bring forth the best robe, 
* and put it on him ; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his 
feet. — I/uke xv. 22. 



O Lord, thou art the King eternal, immortal, and in- 
visible. The heaven of heavens cannot contain thee. 
Myriads of pure and holy spirits cease not day nor night to 
celebrate thy praises. 

What are we, that we should be permitted to approach 
the presence of a God so great and so glorious, and who is 
of purer eyes than to behold iniquity ? We are apt to for- 
get sin, we are too willing to hide it from thee, and to hide it 
from ourselves; but we cannot evade thy righteous scrutiny. 
We cannot screen our guilt from the Great Heart-searcher : 
— all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with 
whom we have to do. 

But blessed be thy name, though thou art the greatest 
and the holiest of all beings, thou art also the kindest and 
most forgiving. Who is a God like unto our God, that 
pardoneth iniquity ! Confiding our eternal all to him, we 
can rejoicingly say — return unto thy rest, O our souls, for 
the Lord hath dealt bountifully with us. 

Bring us to live more constantly and habitually under 
the constraining influence of redeeming love. May these 
souls of ours, ransomed at such a price, be dedicated to thy 
service. Forbid that any of us should be content with a 
mere name to live, if we are dead, and deceive ourselves 
with the form of godliness. Let us know, more and more, 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 117 

that this is thy will concerning us, even our sanctification. 
May we grow in grace. 

Have mercy on all who are in affliction. O thou 
healer of the broken-hearted, thou helper of the help- 
less, may every wounded spirit be bound up by thee. 
May the lonely and unbefriended feel, that in the lone- 
liest solitude, they are not alone, if thou, their God and 
Father, art with them. Spare valued and valuable lives ; 
and may those who are appointed to death, have the valley- 
gloom lighted with Immanuel's love. 

And now, Lord, what wait we for ? Our hope is in 
thy mercy. Be thou with us this night. Be the guardian 
of our unconscious hours. Whether we wake or sleep, 
may we live together with thee. Our wishes, our desires, 
our interests, our joys, our sorrows, our friends, we leave 
entirely to thy care and disposal. Prepare us for the sol- 
emn duties and services of another day of the Son of man. 
Give to all of us a double portion of thy Holy Spirit, that 
our souls may be fitted for holding nearer and more inti- 
mate fellowship with thee. And all that we ask is for the 
sake of him who is the resurrection and the life, and who 
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever liveth and 
reigneth, world without end. Amen. 



Il8 FIFTH WEEK. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 

AND it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto 
them, Ye are not my people ; there shall they be called the 
children of the living God." — Romans ix. 26. 

This is the day which the Lord hath made ; we will 
rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, we beseech thee, O 
Lord ; O Lord, we beseech thee, send us now prosperity. 

This day of holy rest is thy gift to us ; thou hast or- 
dained it for us, for special good to our souls. Bless to us 
thy gift. As thou dost call us to day from work and from 
worldly pleasures, incline us gladly to obey thy call, and to 
give this day to thee and to spiritual things, and to seek 
thee with all our hearts. All through the day we are now 
beginning may we remember thee, and find thee near to us. 

Be with us in our private moments, and grant us to 
hold communion with thee by the Spirit. Be with us when 
we meet in thy house. Bless us, and all the congregation. 
Pour out thy Spirit upon us there. Draw our hearts up to 
thee in prayer and praise. Speak to us by thy holy Word. 
Give us teachable hearts, and make us to feel the power of 
thy Word. May we, and all our fellow-worshippers, wor- 
ship thee in truth, and hear thy Word with profit and com- 
fort. 

Give thy presence and blessing to all who may be kept 
to-day from thy house ; visit them with thy saving grace. 
Have compassion on those who wilfully neglect thee and 
thy day, and turn away from the house of prayer. O thou, 
who didst come to seek and to save that which was lost, 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I 1 9 

still continue thy gracious work, and in thy mercy seek out 
this day some who are out of the way. 

Look in mercy upon the world at large — upon the 
Jews, and upon the millions of the heathen. This day bless 
the work of missions. Be with thy servants abroad, as with 
us at home. Cheer their hearts, keep them steadfast in the 
faith, and strong in hope and trust; and bless their work 
to the gathering in of many souls, and to the futherance of 
thy glory. 

All through this day may we have a sweet savor of thy 
presence. Be with us in private as well as in public ; help 
us to guard our words and our thoughts, and to keep near 
to thee in heart. 

Visit with thy special grace and blessing all whom we 
love, those near and those far away. Make this day to 
them, as well as to us, a day of peace and profit ; and 
may we and they meet in spirit before thee. 

Lord, let thy kingdom come ! May each one of us be 
so living as to advance thy kingdom in the world. This 
day help us to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all 
things. Shed over us a holy calm. Make us to be glad in 
thee. And whatever we have to do this day in thy service, 
may we do it with a willing heart, in faith and love, looking 
to thee for grace and blessing. We ask all for our Savior's 
sake. Amen. 



120 FIFTH WEEK. 



SUNDAY EVENING. 



WHATSOEVER ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He will 
give it you." — John xv. 16. 



gracious and loving God and Father, we come to- 
gether now, to thank thee for the mercies of this day. We 
called upon thee, and thou didst hear us ; we sought thee 
and thou didst not withhold thy blessing from us. 

Yet how full of infirmity has our worship been ! How 
poor have been our thoughts, how cold our hearts, how 
feeble our prayers and praises ; and, while we heard thy 
Word, how far short did we come of what the hearers of 
the Word should be ! If thou shouldest bless us only as 
we pray, if thou shouldest teach us only according to our 
hearing, how poor would our blessing be, and how little 
should we learn ! But we pray thee to bless and teach us, 
not according to our prayers and hearing only, but accord- 
ing to the riches of thy grace in Jesus Christ our Savior. 
Look upon us in him, and for his sake grant* us the fulness 
of thy saving grace. 

Lord, we pray thee to cause thy word to abide within 
us. Soon we shall have to mingle again with the world, 
and much there will be to draw away our minds, and make 
us forget ; do thou help us to remember thy Word, and 
cause it to be a living Word within us. 

Forgive every fault thou hast seen in us. At the 
close of this holy day, as well as on every common day, we 
need the blood of sprinkling. Lord, take away from us 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 121 

every stain, and grant us now acceptance and peace in 
Christ our Savior. 

Forgive every fault and shortcoming. If our minds 
have wandered in worship, if we have forgotten thy pres- 
ence, if light and vain thoughts have crept in, if there has 
been any lack of serious and earnest attention to thy Word, 
pardon us for our Redeemer's sake. May his precious 
blood cleanse us from every stain, and may we lie down to 
rest accepted in him. 

If any here or elsewhere have this day been struck 
anew by thy Word, or have for the first time felt its power, 
graciously send down thy Holy Spirit, and confirm the 
work. Let not the seed be plucked away ; let not the 
heart grow cold and careless again ; let not those thoughts 
pass away. 

We now commend ourselves to thee for the night. 
Take care of us, and of all whom we love. Watch by the 
bed of the sick, be near to the lonely and sorrowful ; keep 
us and them under the shadow of thy wing. Hear us for 
our Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



122 



FIFTH WEEK. 



MONDAY MORNING. 



I3UT thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou 
■-* hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret ; and 
thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee. — Matt. vi. 6. 



O Lord our God, we come to thee to thank thee for 
thy preserving care, and to seek thy blessing for another 
day. Our help cometh from thee alone: keep us by day 
as well as by night ; this day preserve us in our going out 
and coming in. 

We are now entering on another day : we depend upon 
thee for all things, by day as well as by night ; for we are 
the creatures of thy hand. This day bless us ; guide, up- 
hold, and defend us; of thy bounty supply our various 
wants ; give us thy Holy Spirit ; keep us under the shadow 
of thy wing ; and help us in all that we have to do. 

Save us from pride and self-confidence ; teach us to 
feel our dependence on thee; make us always humble and 
trustful. Help us to realize things unseen, and to walk by 
faith. May we know thy voice, and follow thee. 

Give us grace to begin the day, earnestly desiring to 
do thy will. Put right thoughts and purposes into our 
hearts. Make it our chief desire and aim, not to please 
ourselves, but to please thee. May thy Holy Spirit this 
day dwell within us, and turn our hearts from evil, and in- 
cline us to that which is holy and right. 

Lord, let not this day be to any of us a wasted day. 
Give us grace to use it well. Be pleased to employ us in 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



123 



thy service. May thy service be delightful to us, never let 
us find thy commandments grievous, make us to love thy 
will and thy work. 

Bless our dear relations and friends, bless all who have 
ever shown us kindness, forgive and bless any who have 
ione us harm in word or deed ; bless this place in which 
ire live ; bless our country. Guide all who rule in the 
md : may they rule in thy faith and fear. Put forth thy 
lighty power against all that is evil ; against drunkenness, 
md Sabbath-breaking, and unbelief, and vice, and crime, 
jive great success to the Gospel ; bless all who minister in 
it; may sinners be converted unto thee. 

Graciously look upon the poor. In thy mercy and 
loving-kindness provide for their wants, and incline the 
learts of others to care for them. May the earth bring 
forth food for man ; may want and distress be kept from us 
and all ; of thy goodness send us such things as we need. 
These our prayers and praises we humbly offer in the 
lame of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 



124 FIFTH WEEK. 



MONDAY EVENING. 



|_J AVING predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus 
* * Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 
— Ephesians i. 5. 



Lord, we beseech thee now to solemnize our minds. 
Help us by thy Holy Spirit to draw near to thee truly by 
Jesus Christ. 

We have been brought to the end of another day — 
another day of mercy and blessing. We thank thee for all 
thou hast given to us and done for us to-day. We thank 
thee for thy constant care for our wants. 

And we give thee thanks for still continuing to us thy 
holy Word, and still letting us pray to thee ; we praise thee 
for the open way we enjoy to thy throne of grace, and for 
an all-prevailing Intercessor. Our sins and shortcomings 
are many, yet thou dost bless us still ; many are the evils 
thou dost behold in our land, yet thou dost not withdraw 
thy loving-kindness from us. 

We come to seek thy forgiveness. Let not one unpar- 
doned sin remain upon us this night. Pardon us for all 
that conscience tells us has been wrong, and for all the sins 
and shortcomings that we ourselves have scarcely noticed, 
but which have all been seen and known by thee. 

Pour out upon us, O Lord, we beseech thee, a spirit of 
repentance ; humble us before thee, as a people. Preserve 
to us still the light of thy Word, and purity of doctrine, 
and a faithful ministry. Grant to all thy servants grace to 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 125 

adorn their profession, and to shine as lights in the world. 
Turn many to righteousness. 

Forgive every fault or sin thou hast seen in us to-day, 
— all sins against thee, and all offences against each other. 
Cleanse our conscience from guilt by our Savior's precious 
blood. Teach us even by means of our own transgres- 
sions. Make us more humble and watchful. 

O thou who neither slumberest nor sleepest, preserve 
us this night from all evil. Keep us from outward harm, 
and keep us from all vexing thoughts and recollections, 
from wrong imaginations, from unholy dreams. Make us 
to sleep in peace. 

To thy gracious protection we commend ourselves and 
all whom we love, far and near, through Christ our Lord. 

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of 
God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord : and the bless- 
ing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost, be amongst us, and remain with us always. Amen. 






126 FIFTH WEEK. 



TUESDAY MORNING. 

THEN shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of 
their Father." — Matt. xiiL 43. 

O Lord our God, again we seek thy face, again we call 
upon thee in our Savior's name. Hear us now, and for his 
sake come and be in the midst of us. 

We praise thee for thy condescending goodness. 
What are we, that thou shouldest be mindful of us ? Yet 
thou dost invite us to seek thee, and dost assure us of thy 
readiness to hear and bless us. We humbly believe thy 
Word ; and now we come before thee and plead thy 
promises. 

We gratefully own thy fatherly care. We thank thee 
for the sleep thou hast given us. We thank thee for the 
morning light. Shine into our hearts by thy Spirit. May 
the Son of Righteousness arise upon us with healing in his 
beams. Give us spiritual light. 

Bless us this day as a household. May we walk to- 
gether in love. May no provoking words be spoken 
among us, no harsh or angry spirit be shown, no sullen 
temper be indulged. Keep us from envy and jealousy, 
from unkindness and selfishness. Heavenly Father, do 
thou dwell among us this day, and may thy presence bring 
us peace. 

Bless those we love, who are absent from us. May 
we and they meet to day before thy throne. Make us all 
one in Christ our Lord ; and, though absent in the body, 
may we and they be present with each other in spirit. Help 
us to remember one another before thee. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. ' 1 27 

Teach our hearts by the reading and hearing of thy 
Word. Bless to us the daily reading of it in the family. 
May thy Holy Spirit be with us in our family worship, and 
make it to be a spiritual service. 

This day enable us to walk by faith. We gratefully 
own thy care of us through the night ; we commit our- 
selves to the same loving care for the day we are now 
beginning. Prepare us to meet whatever may come to us, 
Let us not be surprised into sin. Make us watchful and 
prayerful, may we be found clad in the whole armor of God, 
and thus may we be enabled to stand. 

Whatever our hands find to do this day, may we do it 
with our might. May our hearts be set to do thy holy 
will. Make us to love thy will and thy service ; and all 
that we do, may we do unto thee. 

We commend ourselves and all dear to us to thy gui- 
dance and protection for the day. Go before us by thy 
grace, and prepare the way for us to walk in ; keep us from 
falling, and from going astray ; order all things for us ; 
leave us not, neither forsake us, O God of our salvation. 

Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith, from God 
the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with, all 
them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. 



128 FIFTH WEEK. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 

THAT ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven. ' ' 
Matt. v. 45. 
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fel- 
low-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." — Bph.ii.19. 

Lord, be present with us in our evening prayer ; help 
us now to believe that thou art near. 

We bow before thee in reverence. We adore thee for 
thine infinite greatness and majesty. We praise thee for 
thine unspeakable goodness. We see thee not, yet all 
around us speaks of thee, and all thy works praise thee, 
and thy Word declares thee, and thy Holy Spirit testifies 
of thee in our hearts. 

Every day thou dost bless us anew ; this day we have 
received fresh gifts from thy hand : our wants have been 
supplied, no evil has befallen us, we are still preserved in 
health and safety. Thine eye has been over us for good ; 
thou hast been with us. 

We thank thee for the manifold blessings of our lot ; 
for this peaceful home, for food and raiment, for such a 
measure of health as thou hast been pleased to give us, 
for our many personal and family comforts. We thank 
thee that our lot is cast in a Christian land, that we were 
not born heathen people, and that even now we are wor- 
shipping thee as our God and Father, while so many still 
know thee not. 

Lord, make us to care for others ; give us love to all 
for thy sake ; especially give us a deep pity for the heathen. 
Thou hast taught us to pray that laborers may be sent into 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 29 

thy harvest ; O Lord of the harvest, look in mercy upon 
the millions who know thee not, and send forth more labor- 
ers into thy harvest. Raise up fit men to go, prepare them 
for the work, provide the means, remove difficulties, and 
shed abroad a missionary spirit in us all. 

Graciously take away the reproach, that many who go 
from this country to heathen lands to hinder the Gospel by 
their evil lives. Lord, suffer not this shame to remain. 
Put forth the power of thy grace on those who leave our 
shores, as well as on the heathen. Let not Satan prevail to 
hinder thy great work. 

Forgive us, if we have ever hindered thy cause by 
inconsistency of conduct ; forgive us for anything that has 
been wrong in us this day — any wrong thought, or word, 
or action, — any neglected duty, any opportunity missed. 
We cast ourselves, all unworthy as we are, upon thy mercy 
in Christ Jesus. Hear us, forgive us, bless and keep us, 
for his sake. 

Now unto him who is the blessed and only Potentate, 
the King of kings and Lord of lords, who only hath im- 
mortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach 
unto, whom no man hath seen nor can see, be honor and 
power everlasting. Amen. 



I30 FIFTH WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 



SO Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many ; and unto them 
that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin 
unto salvation. — Heb. ix. 28. 



O Lord, thou hast been mindful of us, thou hast blest 
us. We give thee thanks that thou hast kept us from harm 
through the night, and given us rest. 

Heavenly Father, we come to thee now as thy chil- 
dren, seeking thy help and blessing for another day. 
Every opening day is an unknown day to us, but thou 
knowest and orderest all. Order all things for us this day, 
overrule everything for our good, prepare us for whatever 
may come, guide and strengthen us to pass this day 
according to thy will. 

Prepare us for all that this day may bring — for any 
news that may reach us ; for any duty thou mayest appoint 
for us ; for any difficulty, perplexity, or temptation that 
may arise. Make thy way plain before us, and give us 
grace to walk therein, and to show a Christian spirit in 
everything. 

It is our happiness to know that we are in thy hand. 
Thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek thee. If not 
a sparrow falleth to the ground without thee, thou wilt 
never overlook us or our wants. Thou wilt feed us with 
food convenient for us; thou wilt watch over us for good; 
thou wilt compass us about with thy favor as with a shield. 
Unworthy as we are, thou wilt bless us for our Savior's 
sake, because we trust in thee. 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 31 

We thank thee that thou hast given us thy Word, to 
teach us of thee. We thank thee for the full liberty we 
enjoy, to read thy Word, and to worship thee, none making 
us afraid. If any, in any part of the world, are now suffer- 
ing persecution for the truth's sake, be thou, O Lord, their 
helper and comforter. Keep them faithful ; help them to 
glorify thee. 

We pray for the spread of the Bible everywhere. Give 
thy blessing to this great work. May thy Holy Book be 
in every house in our land, and may every distant people 
and race have it in their own tongue. May its influence 
be felt more and more ; open the hearts of men to receive 
it; may it be more read, and loved, and followed. 

This day may thy blessing rest upon this house ; and 
not upon us at home only, but also upon all who have 
gone away from us, and all who are dear to us everywhere. 
To thy fatherly care and guidance we commend ourselves 
and them. Keep us all from evil ; preserve us from the 
enemy of our souls. Give to us all thy sanctifying spirit. 

Hear us in these our prayers, and send us all else that 
thou seest we need, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



132 



FIFTH WEEK. 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 



THE) Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the 
children of God : And if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and 
joint-heirs with Christ ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may 
be also glorified together. — Romans viii. 16, 17. 



God, the day has come to a close, and we thy serv- 
ants once more keeel down together before thee. Let thy 
loving favor rest upon us, for our Redeemer's sake. Draw 
us near to thee ; make us all of one mind in seeking thee. 
May every heart be now truly lifted up to thee. 

Thanks be to thee for the mercies of the day. Keep 
us always mindful of thy goodness. Whether we eat or 
drink, or whatsoever we do, may we do all in the name of 
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto thee, our God and 
Father, by him. May all that we enjoy be sweetened to 
us, as coming from our Father's hand. 

Give us serious minds ; help us to live thoughtfully. 
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our 
hearts unto wisdom. May old and young be seeking the 
one thing needful, and pressing toward the mark. 

Lord, teach us to love thee more. We are apt to 
grow cold and careless : deliver us from hardness of heart, 
quicken us by thy Spirit, cause us to grow in grace. Enter 
not into judgment with us on account of our sins, for we 
cannot answer for one in a thousand. Though thou might- 
est justly be displeased with us, yet for our Savior's sake look 
upon us in thy pardoning mercy, and blot out all our trans- 
gressions. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 133 

Give us more of the mind of thy children. When we 
call upon thee as our Father, help us to feel the words we 
say, and really to approach thee as our reconciled and lov- 
ing Father in Christ Jesus. Let not our prayers now or at 
any time, be an empty form, let us not render to thee a cold 
and heartless service ; incline our hearts to pray, give us 
earnest desires, pour out upon us the Spirit of grace and of 
supplication, and draw us to thee in faith and love. 

The darkness is closing around us ; but the darkness 
is no darkness with thee. All through the night be thou 
near us. Give thine angels charge over us, to keep us. 
May we lie down and sleep, and awake, because thou, O 
Lord, sustainest us. 

Be near this night to all whom we love. Be with the 
sick and sorrowful everywhere ; comfort all who pass the 
night in pain ; give peaceful thoughts to those who cannot 
sleep. 

Hear us, O Lord our God, for Christ our Savior's sake. 

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the 
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us 
perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us 
that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus 
Christ : to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 



134 FIFTH WEEK. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 



I WILIv bless the Iyord at all times : his praise shall continually be in 
" my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Iyord : the hum- 
ble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the I^ord with me, and 
let us exalt his name together. — Psalms xxxiv. 1-3. 



Lord our God, who dwellest on high, and yet hum- 
blest thyself to behold the things that are in heaven and in 
the earth, we beseech thee now to look down upon us with 
favor and acceptance in Jesus Christ our Savior. 

May thy name be praised, from the rising of the sun 
unto the going down of the same. May the light of the 
Gospel shine upon the nations that sit in darkness. Mil- 
lions, alas, are now beginning the day without thee : O send 
out thy light and thy truth, and visit all the heathen with' 
thy salvation. 

Lord, w r hat are we, that thou shouldest have blest us 
above so many ? Yet bless us now still further ; bless us 
with a spirit of gratitude and love ; teach us to feel how 
much we owe ; give us a sense of our responsibility ; grant 
us grace to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Savior ; and 
make us zealous to make known his saving name. 

We thank thee for thy protecting care. O be thou 
with us still ; by day, as well as by night, guard us from 
harm and evil. Especially keep us this day from all sin. 
Give us thy Holy Spirit to teach and sanctify us. 

May we all be rooted and built up in Christ. Confirm us 
in the faith ; may nothing draw us away from the simplicity 
that is in Christ, from guileless simplicity of heart towards 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 135 

him. Keep us from being shaken or disturbed by false 
doctrines, or by any evil example or influence. 

Teach us to know ourselves. Let us never be vain or 
proud. Make us truly humble before thee and towards all. 
Preserve us from hastiness of temper and from gloom and 
sullenness. Give us a spirit of cheerful kindness. Keep 
us from sins of the tongue ; set a watch, O Lord, before our 
mouth ; keep the door of our lips. 

Help us to live thoughtfully. Let none of us be un- 
prepared to meet thee. That which our Lord said to all, 
may we have grace to hear and obey; help us to watch, 
that when he comes we may be ready to receive him with 
joy. This day may we be as servants who wait for their 
Lord. 

Incline our hearts to love thee. May we know and 
believe the love that thou hast to us ; and may we all love 
thee, because thou didst first love us. 

Heavenly Father, look with favor upon this house to- 
day ; and upon all whom we love, wherever they may be. 
May we and they be safe in thy keeping, and walk by thy 
guidance, and serve thee truly, and do thy holy will. 

Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith, from 
G6d the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with 
all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 

Hear us. and bless us, for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



I36 FIFTH WEEK. 






THURSDAY EVENING. 

IWIIvIv sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will 
I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. — Psalms 
lxxxix. 1. 

Lord, what shall we render to thee for all thy grace 
and goodness ? fill our hearts with gratitude and love. 
Thou dost need nothing at our hands, yet thou dost con- 
descend to receive honor from our thanks and praises. 
Give us a heart to praise thee. 

Again thou hast been gracious to us. Another day 
has brought us new mercies. To thee alone do we owe all 
that we have had and enjoyed to-day. To thee, O gracious 
Father, be all the praise. 

We can count up many mercies received ; but how 
many have come to us unseen ! We thank thee for those 
we know of, and we thank thee for those we know not of — 
for any unseen danger this day warded off from us, for any 
secret guidance, for all hidden blessings. 

Let thy pardoning love pass over all the offences of 
this day. Thou knowest all we have done, and thought, 
and said. Thine eye has been upon us. Wash us from 
every stain in our Savior's blood ; wash us, and we shall 
be whiter than snow. 

Thou hast graciously taught us to call thee " Father," 
and bidden us to come to thee as thy children. We gladly 
come to thee, to put ourselves into thy care for the night. 
No evil can harm us, if thou be near. Lord, be near us 
through the dark hours, spread thy wing over us, shelter 
us from all harm. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 137 

We pray for growth in grace. May none of us be 
loiterers on the way. Quicken us by the power of thy 
Spirit. May we all, by thy grace, be more deeply serious, 
more in earnest, more full of love to thee, more spiritual in 
mind and heart. And may we, as a family, be more and 
more such as it becomes a Christian household to be. May 
kindness and love reign here, may a pure and holy tone be 
the tone prevailing in this house, may the love of the world 
find no place among us, and may we have grace so to walk 
that a light may shine from this dwelling to all around. 

And what we ask for ourselves, we ask also for all we 
love. Watch over those who are far away ; watch over all 
who are dear to us. Grant to us and to them that which 
thou dost give to thy beloved. Grant us sleep. We ask all 
for our Savior's sake. 

The Lord bless us and keep us ; 

The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gra- 
cious unto us ; 

The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give 
us peace. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. 

Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith, from 
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with 
all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. 



I38 FIFTH WEEK. 






FRIDAY MORNING. 



SAID, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: 
I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before 
me. — Psalms xxxix. 1. 



1 



Help us now, O Lord, to draw near to thee. Incline 
our hearts to seek thee. And graciously admit us into thy 
presence, through Jesus Christ. 

Give us grace to begin the day with thee. In thy 
strength may we go forth to do what we have to do. And 
may we do all, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but as 
the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 
We are thy servants : make us faithful and diligent in serv- 
ing thee. 

Give us right views of life and time. The day we are 
now beginning is a fresh gift from thee. Thou hast pre- 
served us through the night, and caused us to see another 
day ; thou hast kept us still in life and health ; and now 
this day brings us new opportunities of serving thee. May 
this be now our chief desire — to serve thee and please thee, 
and do thy will, throughout this day. 

Give us right motives. May love to thee be the spring 
of all we do. Keep us from selfishness, and vanity, and 
pride, and the love of praise. Make us content to be little 
thought of, so only we may do that which is pleasing in 
thy sight. 

Keep us from idleness and self-indulgence ; let not this 
day pass without our doing good to some. If nothing else 
be appointed for us, may we have grace to walk aright, and 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 39 

to show a good example ; and may all our words this day 
be right words. 

Keep us from sin of every kind. Keep us especially 
from whatever sin we are most prone to. Where we have 
fallen in time past, there make us doubly watchful ; let no 
temptation come upon us unawares. Guard our hearts 
from the evil one. Fill us with the Holy Ghost. 

Strengthen us with strength from above. Fill us with 
the Holy Ghost. Grant us to abide in Christ ; and may 
he dwell in our hearts by faith. In thy strength may we 
meet all temptation and difficulty that may come to us 
to-day. 

Thou hast set before us a way to walk in, and given 
us all a place to fill for thee, and talents to use in thy ser- 
vice. Impress upon us our Savior's words, " Occupy till I 
come." This day may we be found faithful. 

Lord, in thy favor is life : let thy loving favor rest 
upon us to-day as a family, and upon each one of us. Thou 
knowest our wants, and thou knowest what is best for us. 
Order all our concerns, guide us in the way, send to us 
what thou seest to be best. And deal thus, O heavenly 
Father, not only with us, but with all dear to us, for our 
blessed Savior's sake. Amen. 



140 FIFTH WEEK. 



FRIDAY EVENING. 

RKJOICE evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give 
thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning 
you.— i Thess. v. 16-18. 

Again, O heavenly Father, the hours have passed, and 
the day has come to a close ; and again we bend the knee 
before thee. 

Thou hast seen us through the day. Thine eye has 
marked our steps, thine ear has heard our words, and our 
most secret thoughts have been open to thee. Gracious 
Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake, blot out of thy book all that 
may this day have been written against us. Wash us from 
every stain in his precious blood, and for his sake cast all 
our sins behind thee. 

What shall we render unto thee for thy goodness ? 
Thou dost preserve us in life day after day, thou dost give 
us health and safety, thou dost grant to us peace in our 
dwelling, thou dost bestow upon us food and clothing and 
all needful things. Above all, thou hast given us the good 
hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ, and hast provided us 
with the means of grace, and promised us thy Holy Spirit. 
Lord, we are in danger of forgetting to thank thee, because 
thy gifts come to us every day. Keep us from unthankful- 
ness. May daily blessing call forth daily praise. Give us 
the spirit of praise. Make us thankful. 

We would not stand still in the Christian course ; we 
would not be cumberers of the ground : stir up our wills 
and affections, quicken us by thy Spirit, make us fruitful in 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I4I 

heart and life ; may each day we live be to us all a day of 
going forward. 

We humbly pray to thee on behalf of others. May all 
dear to us know thee. May none be wanderers from the 
fold. If any have gone astray, if any are living without 
thee, O God of grace, cause thy Word to reach them, fetch 
them home, draw them to thee in Christ Jesus. 

Bless our neighbors and friends. This night may thy 
protecting care be over them, as well as over us. May the 
powers of darkness prevail against none of us ; may we all 
be kept safe from outward harm and danger. Gracious 
Lord, do thou thyself, from heaven thy dwelling-place, 
watch over us through the night, and grant us a happy 
waking in the morning. 

Lord, as life goes on, make us more thoughtful and 
diligent, more self-denying, more truly devoted to thee. 
Help us to give thee the first place in our hearts. And the 
life which we now live in the flesh, may we live by the faith 
of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us. 

The Lord bless us and keep us ; 

The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gra- 
cious unto us ; 

The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give 
us peace. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. 
Amen. 



142 FIFTH WEEK. 



SATURDAY MORNING. 

r> EHOIyD, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my 
*-* voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup 
with him, and he with me. — Revelation iii. 20. 

O thou, who neither slumberest nor sleepest, our 
Keeper by day and by night, we thank thee for having 
watched over us, and given us rest. Our help cometh from 
thee, who didst make heaven and earth. We now again 
lift up our eyes unto thee. Help us, and bless us, this day, 
O Lord our God. 

Make us to see wisdom and love in all thy dealings 
with us. Teach us submission to thy will, and a perfect 
contentment with all that thou doest. May prosperity 
never make us proud or turn away our hearts from thee ; 
and in the day of trouble be thou our Refuge. If thou 
shouldest chastise us, teach us to feel that thou art dealing 
with us as with thy children. Give us continual thankful- 
ness of heart. 

Once more our table is spread, and we awake to find 
ourselves surrounded with comforts. O thou who art the 
giver of all, still be gracious to us in supplying our out- 
ward wants; but, above all, visit our souls with thy grace, 
and send down upon us the fulness of spiritual blessing. 
Increase our desires after thee. May our treasure be above ; 
and where our treasure is, there may our hearts be also. 
We believe that he, who once died for us, now lives for us, 
and pleads for us. Heavenly Father, for his sake send to 
us thy Holy Ghost to comfort us, draw our hearts up to 









FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 43 

thee, even now may we enjoy our Savior's presence by the 
Spirit and in thine own good time give us a place where 
he is. 

Meanwhile, help us to run with patience the race that 
is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher 
of our faith. This day help us ; for each day is a part of 
our race, and each day we need to look to him. Prepare us 
for all that the day may bring. May we be rooted and 
grounded in Christ. Stablish us in the faith, as we have 
been taught ; and cause us to abound therein with thanks- 
giving. 

We ask for a spirit of kindness and love, among our- 
selves and towards all. Let none of us this day grieve the 
Holy Spirit of God. May all bitterness and wrath and 
anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from us, 
with all malice ; and make us kind one to another, tender- 
hearted, forgiving one another, even as thou for Christ's 
sake hast forgiven us. 

Lord, we desire to serve thee ; but do thou strengthen 
the desire. Make us to abhor that which is evil and cleave 
to that which is good. May our hearts be set upon doing 
thy holy will in faith and love. 

May the dew of thy grace and blessing descend upon 
us this morning. Before we begin our daily work, send 
down to us thy Holy Spirit, to guide and comfort and 
strengthen us. 

Lord, hear us, we beseech thee ; and send this day to 
us and to those we love more than we can ask or think, for 
Christ our Savior's sake. Amen. 



144 FIFTH WEEK. 



SATURDAY EVENING. 

'IpHB sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. The mountains 
* skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. — Psalm 
cxiv. 3, 4. 

O Lord God Almighty, our Father in heaven, we 
sought thee when the day began, and now that thou hast 
brought us to its close in safety, we kneel down together 
to give thee thanks, and to commit ourselves to thy care 
for the night. 

Give us now and always seriousness of mind. Teach 
us to remember that each day that passes brings us so 
much nearer to our last. May none of us spend our days 
in idleness or trifling, or put off seeking thee; make us 
truly wise ; incline us all to seek thee while thou mayest 
be found. 

We thankfully acknowledge thy goodness to us — thy 
bountiful kindness in supplying our wants, thy constant 
care over us, thy tender dealing with us, thy forbearance 
and long-suffering. We do not feel thy goodness as we 
ought : make us to feel it more ; teach us to love thee 
more for all thy grace and loving-kindness towards us. 

We acknowledge our manifold transgressions and 
shortcomings : wash us, O Lord, from our iniquity, and 
cleanse us from our sin; for our Savior's sake, who paid 
our debt with his own blood, pardon us for all our offences, 
and grant us this night acceptance and peace. 

Prepare us for the coming Lord's day. Refresh us 
with sleep, both in mind and in body. Help us now to lay 
down for awhile the cares and business of life, and to raise 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 145 

our thoughts to thee. Fix our attention and desires on 
spiritual things ; and may a sweet foretaste of thy holy day 
be given to us now. 

We praise thee for our temporal blessings ; but lead 
us, we beseech thee, to prize yet more highly the spiritual 
blessings of thy grace. We thank thee for sending thy Son 
to be our Savior, and for teaching us of Him in thy Word, 
and for giving us the promise of thy Holy Spirit, and for 
granting us the privilege of prayer. Thanks be unto thee, 
O God, for thy unspeakable gift ! 

May that precious blood, of which we have learnt in 
thy Word, be now applied to wash away all our sins. For 
Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us for every fault of this day. 
Blot out, as a thick cloud, our transgressions, and, as a 
cloud, our sins ; and cause us all now humbly to return 
unto thee, because thou hast redeemed us. 

And grant the same to all whom we love. Watch 
over us and them, and give us all a happy waking on the 
day of prayer. We cannot all meet together in the body ; 
but help us to meet to-morrow in spirit, and, though apart 
from one another, yet to worship thee together. 

May these our imperfect prayers find acceptance with 
thee, O Lord our God, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator 
and Advocate. 

Now unto him who is able to keep us from falling, 
and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory 
with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Savior, be 
glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and 
ever. Amen. 



I46 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



CHRISTMAS DAY. 

Almighty and everlasting God, the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, we desire, on this sacred anniversary, to draw 
near to thee, in his name. Our souls would magnify the 
Lord — our spirits would rejoice in God our Savior; for he 
that is mighty hath done great things for us, and holy is 
his name. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath 
visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up for us 
an horn of salvation in the house of his servant David. 

We look back with gratitude and joy to that memor- 
able night, when the angels appeared over the Plains of 
Bethlehem, proclaiming that the promised child was born, 
the promised Savior was given ; that through him, while 
glory was secured to God in the highest, peace was pro- 
claimed on earth, and good-will to the children of men. 
We adore thee for that amazing love which brought the 
Lord of life and of glory from his throne in heaven to that 
manger of humiliation ; " God over all," dwelling in union 
with an infant of days ! 

We desire to present ourselves before the Holy Child 
Jesus, like the wise men of old, with the gold, and frankin- 
cense, and myrrh of our best affections and deepest love. 
Had it not been for this inconceivable stoop from the in- 
finite to the finite, where would we have been this day ? 
Well may we join in the angelic song, and say, " Glory ! 
eternal glory be to God in the highest, for his best — his 
unspeakable gift ; without which, not one ray of hope or 
joy could have visited our doomed world." As we gather 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 47 

in thought around his cradle, may our souls rise in lively- 
gratitude to him who spared not his only Son, but freely 
gave him up unto death for us all. We will sing unto the 
Lord a new song, for he hath done marvellous things ; his 
right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory. 
Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory, through 
the Lord Jesus Christ. 

May we seek, by holy, righteous, and consistent lives 
— to show that we are not insensible of all his unmerited 
love and kindness. Blessed Jesus, make us thine. Sanctify 
us wholly : — wean us from earth : — train us for glory. Con- 
templating thee this day in thy humiliation, when thou 
wast made in the likeness of man, may it be ours to look 
forward, with holy joy, to thy second coming in the clouds 
of Heaven — thy tears, and sorrows, and sufferings all past ; 
— when the Babe of Bethlehem — the sufferer of Gethsemane 
— the crucified of Calvary — shall be seated on the Throne 
of universal empire, and crowned "Lord of all." 

We pray that thy holy name may be everywhere mag- 
nified. Arise, O God, and plead thine own cause. May a 
dark world be soon cheered by the wondrous proclamation 
we this day love to recall. May the " Prince of Peace " 
take to himself his great power and reign ; causing men to 
beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into 
pruning hooks. 

Give us all that is really good for us ; — withhold all 
that is evil. May thy will be our only rule and direc- 
tory ; may we trust thee in everything ; and look forward 
with joyful hearts to that better time, when we shall be 
permitted, with a multitude which no man can number, to 
take up the song of this day, and ascribe " glory to God in 
the highest," for that mercy which, through his own dear 
Son, is to endure for ever. Amen. 



I48 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



THE LAST NIGHT OF THE YEAR. 

O Lord, we adore thee as the God of times and sea- 
sons, of days, and of years. Thou alone art without any 
variableness or shadow of turning. Thou didst inhabit the 
glories of eternity, before the birth of time or of worlds. 
Thou hadst no beginning of days ; — thou canst know no 
end of years. Amidst fleeting moments and revolving sea- 
sons, the past and present and future are, to thee, one ever- 
persent "Now." A thousand years in thy sight are but as 
yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. It is 
our comfort to know, amid so much that is transient in a 
fleeting world, that thou art the same, — that thy throne has 
the pillars of immutability to rest upon, — that though all 
be changing and hastening to decay and dissolution, " thy 
dominion endureth throughout all generations." 

We desire, on this the last day of another year, to bow 
at thy footstool, and to take a solemn retrospect of all the 
year's mercies. We have indeed good reason this night to 
set up our Ebenezer, and to say, " The Lord hath helped 
us.'* It is a retrospect of love. From how many unseen 
dangers hast thou delivered us ; — from how many tempta- 
tions, which we had no strength of our own to resist, hast 
thou rescued us ! How many during this last year have 
been wasted with sickness, or racked with pain, or stretched 
on beds of languishing ; yet thou hast mercifully protected 
us. How many thousands of our fellow-men, since the 
year began, have passed into eternity; but we are pre- 
served another year longer; night after night we laid our- 
selves down and slept, because the Lord sustained us, and 
we are still the objects of thine unceasing watchfulness 
and tender care. 

O God, when we think of thy great mercies, what 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 149 

shall we say of the retrospect of our past sins ? Were we 
to be judged by the duties and doings, the sins and short- 
comings of any one day of the passing year, we would be 
righteously condemned. Oh, ere the record has passed 
upwards to thy Great Book, do thou wash out every stain 
in the blood of Immanuel. We have no hope but in him. 
We desire this night to hear his own blessed words of con- 
solation and mercy — " Son, daughter, be of good cheer, 
your sins are all forgiven you." We would mourn the 
past, and seek for " more grace " for the future. Come, 
Lord, search us and try us, and see if there be any wicked 
way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. May the 
lives which thou hast, during another year, prolonged and 
preserved by thy bounty, be willingly consecrated as 
thank-offerings to thy praise. 

We desire, at this time more particularly, to commend 
to thy Fatherly care and goodness all in whom we are in- 
terested. May our absent friends meet us this night in 
spirit around the throne of the heavenly grace, severally 
commending us, as we now desire to commend them, to 
thy care and love. Make them the objects of thy provi- 
dential bounty, and the subjects of thy heavenly grace and 
kingdom. 

We desire to retire to rest under the solemnizing im- 
pression that we are a year nearer eternity, — that a year 
more of our probation time is fled, — that a year less of 
grace and opportunity and privilege belongs to us. Lord, 
take the charge of us ; and if thou art pleased to spare us 
to see the light of a new day and a new year, may it be to 
us the emblem of a better morning and a nobler term of 
being, when earth's shadows and darkness shall have for 
ever fled, and when we shall be satisfied, awaking in thy 
likeness. And all we ask is for the Redeemer's sake. 
Amen. 



I50 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



FIRST MORNING OF A NEW YEAR. 

Almighty and everlasting God, thou art the Alpha and 
the Omega — the first and the last. Amid all the changes 
of the world, thou changest not. All things below must 
perish — but thou remainest the same. 

Thou hast mercifully preserved us to see the begin- 
ning of another year. We desire to begin this new period 
of our existence by consecrating its hours to thee. We 
would seek to connect its coming blessings with thee, — to 
own thy hand and thy wisdom in its coming sorrows ; we 
would seek to feel that it can only be to us a happy year by 
being a holy one — spent in thy service and devoted to thy 
praise. 

It is one of the many new years we have seen ; we 
cannot tell how few we may have yet to see. Our prayer 
is, that we may live this year as if it were to be our last. 
We desire to take as our motto and superscription through- 
out its course — " God forbid that we should glory, save in 
the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ." Our every temporal 
comfort, as well as every spiritual blessing, flow to us en- 
tirely from Jesus. Oh, do thou enkindle in our hearts a 
flame of more ardent devotedness to him, whose amazing 
love it is that crowneth every year with goodness, and 
makes all its paths to drop fatness. Good Lord, we desire, 
this morning, to make a fresh consecration of ourselves and 
our household unto thee. If in past years there has been 
forgetfulness of thee — if thy kindness has been abused, and 
thy mercies slighted, and thy name dishonored, enable 
each and all of us to make this year one of more undivided 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I 5 I 

surrender to thy service. May it be a new year of love, 
and meekness, and forgiveness, and close walking with 
God. May sin be more dreaded, and holiness more loved. 
May the lessons of eternity come more powerfully and im- 
pressively home to us. Let us live as immortal beings. 
Let it not be the impression of a solemn anniversary like 
the present, but an habitual conviction — " The fashion of 
this world passeth away." 

Good Lord, bless all our dear friends ; we would re- 
member them, as we trust they are remembering us, this 
day, at thy footstool. Hear our mutual prayers : may the 
cloud of mercy descend on all our heads. Though absent 
from one another on earth, may faith bring us near, by 
having our tents pitched by the gate of heaven. 

God of all grace, we commend us to thee : undertake 
thou for us. Let the pillar of thy presence go before us- 
Do thou direct, control, suggest throughout this year, all 
that we design or do, — so that every power of our bodies, 
and every faculty of our souls, may unite for the showing 
forth of thy praise and glory. And all that we ask is for 
the sake of Jesus, thine only Son and our Savior. Amen. 



152 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



GOOD FRIDAY. 

O Lord God, our Father, who art in heaven, on this 
day we look to the cross on Calvary and see what Jesus 
Christ has suffered to save our souls. He was despised 
and rejected of men ; a man of sorrows, and acquainted 
with grief. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried 
our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions ; he 
was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our 
peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. 
He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter ; and as a sheep 
before her shearers, is dumb, so he opened not. his mouth. 

Help us, O God, to bear in mind, that it was our sins 
• that caused the Savior all that bitter agony, crucifixion and 
death. Our sins caused him to be rejected and betrayed ; 
our sins caused him the agony in the garden, where his 
soul was sorrowful, even unto death, and where under the 
overwhelming burden of the sins of the world, his sweat 
fell as great drops of blood to the ground ; our sins caused 
him the mockery of his trial, the scourging and the crown 
of thorns ; our sins laid upon him the burden of his cross 
on the way to Calvary ; our sins drove the nails through 
his hands and his feet, and caused him to exclaim in those 
awfully mysterious words, My God, my God, why hast 
thou forsaken me ! It was that we might not feel forsaken 
of God, when we come to die. Help us, O God, to realize 
the horrible nature of sin, which caused the blessed Savior 
all that bitter suffering and that cruel death. 

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten 
Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life. O God the Father, what shall 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 153 

we render unto thee for thine infinite love to us miserable 
sinners ? God the Son, how can we ever repay thee for 
thy dying love. O Lord Jesus, we have nothing that we 
can truly call our own, but our sins. O take these sins 
away ; wash them away in the fountain of thine atoning 
blood, the fountain that was opened for sin and unclean- 
ness. 

We would make an entire surrender of ourselves to 
thee. Our bodies and our souls are thine by thy redemp- 
tion purchase ; may they be also thine by the renewing and 
sanctifying of our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

O thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world, have mercy on us ! 

By thy love unto death, even the death of the cross ; 

By the terrors that encompassed thy soul ; 

By the sufferings which thou didst endure in thy body ; 

By the bitter agonies of death, have mercy on us, O 
Lord Jesus. 

And unto him that loved us, and washed us from our 
sins in his own blood, be glory and dominion for ever and 
ever. Amen. 



154 



SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



EASTER. 

>TpHK voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the 
* righteous; the right hand of the Lord doth valiantly. The 
right hand of the I^ord is exalted, for Christ is risen from the dead. 
The stone which the builders refused is become the head-stone 
of the corner — the corner-stone on which God hath erected his 
everlasting temple. This is the L,ord's doing; it is marvellous in 
our eyes. Enter into h:s gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts 
with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord 
is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all genera- 
tions. Let us pray: 

Glory be to thee, our God, who art, and wast, and 
shalt be, from everlasting to everlasting. Praise and honour 
be to thee, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father 
of glory ; for this is the day which thou hast made for us 
that we might rejoice and* be glad in it. Praise and thanks- 
giving be to thee, that thy beloved Son appeared among us, 
not only that he might take away sin by offering himself a 
willing sacrifice for us, but that he might bring life and im- 
mortality to light, and re-open heaven for all who believe in 
his name. Praise and thanksgiving be to thee for that hid- 
den wisdom, which thou hast ordained so gloriously, 
beyond all that we could understand or ask. Thou hast 
not left his soul in the realms of death, nor suffered thy 
holy one to see corruption. Thou hast fulfilled unto him 
the promise that thou wouldst show him the path of life, 
and hast made the captain of our salvation perfect through 
sufferings. Thanks and praise be to thee, that through 
the resurrection of Jesus his innocence is established, his 
dignity made manifest, and his work glorified as thy work ; 
that instead of the crown of thorns, he wears a crown of 
glory, and that, as the Lord of the living and the dead, he 
hath received power, as the captain of salvation, to bring 
many sons unto glory. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 155 

Help our infirmities, that with our whole heart we may 
rejoice in that glorious gospel which banishes every doubt, 
turns our fears into gladness, and ministers unto us abun- 
dantly an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of glory- 
We praise thee that Jesus was delivered for our offences, 
and was raised again for our justification ; and we pray that 
we may be made partakers of his resurrection, and thus 
walk in newness of life. We rejoice that in thine abundant 
mercy, thou hast begotten us again unto a lively hope, 
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to 
an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth 
not away. Enable us, therefore, to purify ourselves, even 
as he is pure, to seek those things that are above, and lay 
up treasure in heaven. When temptations assail us, when 
our faith would grow weak and our love become cold, do 
thou make us steadfast and immovable, always abounding 
in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our 
labor is not in vain in the Lord. May all the joys with 
which thou crownest our life be increased by the blissful 
thought that they are but the foretaste of greater joys to 
come. Amidst all the sufferings of our probation, may 
we be refreshed by the delightful and consoling conviction 
that through them our Father is preparing us for a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. When we mourn 
at the graves of those whom we loved, may our hearts 
find comfort in the promise that them which sleep in Jesus 
will God bring with him. And when we ourselves shall 
be called out of this world, may our departing spirit abun- 
dantly enjoy that assured hope, by which we are enabled 
to say : I know that my Redeemer liveth : O death, where 
is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory ? Thanks be 
to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 



I56 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



ASCENSION DAY. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Son of God, Savior of 
the world, the King of heaven and of earth, the mighty 
Conqueror of all our enemies, when thou hadst by thy suf- 
ferings and death, accomplished the great work of redemp- 
tion, thou didst arise from the dead, show thyself alive to 
thy disciples, give them commandment and bless them, and 
then ascend up into heaven ; thou hast led captivity cap- 
tive, and given gifts unto men ; thou hast spoiled principali- 
ties and powers, and made a show of them openly, 
triumphing over them by thy cross. All power is given 
unto thee in heaven and in earth. Thou art seated at the 
right hand of thine everlasting Father, and art exalted above 
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also 
in that which is to come. All things are put under thy 
feet, and thou art the head over all things to the church. 
The hand-writing of ordinances that was against us has 
been blotted out, the sentence of condemnation removed, 
all our guilt cancelled with thy precious blood, and our 
enemies, death and the devil, have now no more dominion 
over us. For this thy glorious and mighty victory, we 
render unto thee most hearty thanks ; we praise thee, we 
worship thee, and humbly beseech thee as our everlasting 
High Priest, to intercede for us poor sinners with thy 
heavenly Father, that we, being delivered from all guilt and 
pain through the merits of thy sufferings and death, may 
escape the just wrath of God and the punishment of the 
world to come. 

Be gracious unto thy people, and evermore send them 
thy Holy Spirit. Bless thy church with pious and faith- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 157 

ful ministers and officers ; preserve us from all errors in 
doctrine ; remove all hinderances to our salvation ; pro- 
tect, establish and extend thy kingdom upon the earth, ac- 
cording to the greatness of thy power, until all thine ene- 
mies are laid low at thy feet. 

O Thou whose mediation hath brought peace on earth ! 
Give thy peace unto all who obey thy gospel, and accord- 
ing to thy long-suffering have mercy upon unconverted 
sinners, that they may also renounce the service of folly and 
sin, and become the children of peace. O thou, who art 
the author and finisher of the faith of all that believe, and 
who wast thyself made to enter into thy glory through 
many sufferings, revive with thine abundant consolation, 
all who are in affliction or temptation, and arm them with 
courage and strength from on high, that they may war 
a good warfare, even unto the end. O thou Prince of life ! 
how many hast thou already cheered and sustained on the 
bed of death ! grant us also thy encouraging and sustaining 
presence, in the last trying hour of this mortal pilgrimage. 
When our bodily eyes shall close, grant that with the eye 
of faith we may behold the gates of heaven open to receive 
us, and view thee seated at the right hand of God; and 
graciously hear us, when with our expiring breath, we shall 
exclaim : Lord Jesus, receive our spirit ! O thou Captain 
of salvation ! already hast thou brought many sons to glory ; 
even so lead us also, who still sojourn in this land of mor- 
tality and of conflict ; enable us, by thy Spirit, to overcome 
sin, and suffering, and death, and grant us abundantly, 
through thine atoning merits, an entrance into the kingdom 
of glory, where thou livest and reignest, in unity of spirit 
with the Father, in eternal majesty and power. Amen. 



158 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



WHITSUNDAY OR PENTECOST. 

Eternal and exalted God ! Thou art the fountain of 
life and light and happiness in heaven and on earth ! Un- 
limited is thy power, unsearchable thy wisdom, inexhausti- 
ble thy goodness ! With heartfelt emotion we humble our- 
selves before thy glorious majesty. With thanksgiving 
and joy we adore thee as the first and eternal Cause of all 
things in heaven and upon earth. On this solemn festival 
we bless and praise thee especially for the glorious accom- 
plishment of thy counsel concerning the salvation of man- 
kind. We thank thee with our whole heart, that when 
Christ our Saviour had returned to thee, thou didst visit 
thy people with new mercies, and establish, by the out- 
pouring of thy Holy Spirit, the Church of thy Son upon 
earth. Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, be thou exalted in 
the congregation of thy people, that thou hast bestowed 
this inestimable gift upon sinful men. — With grateful hearts 
we cherish the memory of that blessed morn, on which, 
through the gifts and powers of thy Spirit, thou didst en- 
lighten and sanctify the first disciples of the Savior, and ap- 
point them to be heralds of peace, and witnesses for the 
truth. May all who name the name of Christ, unite in 
praising thee ; for thy kingdom cannot be moved, and the 
Church of thy Son shall endure throughout all generations. 
Thou hast given it the seal of thy promise, which is unto 
us also, and to our children. Thy Son hath declared, " If 
ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your 
children, how much more will your heavenly Father give 
his Holy Spirit to them that ask him ! " Trusting in this 
assurance, we beseech thee, in the name of Jesus, to send 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 159 

him unto us from thy high and holy place, and with him 
to grant us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 
Grant that we may all be born of the Spirit, that we may 
be brought from darkness to light, and translated from the 
bondage of corruption into glorious liberty of the children 
of God. 

Holy Spirit ! true and eternal God, with the Father 
and the Son, fulfill in us, we beseech thee, this day, thy 
mission of love, and abide with us forever. Enlighten and 
inspire us with holy zeal and fervency of spirit. Lead us 
into all truth. — Enter into us as thy living temples, and 
sanctify us wholly in body, soul, and spirit, that we may 
not fulfill the lust of the flesh, but walk in all holy obedi- 
ence and devotion. Deliver us from the law of sin and 
death, and anable us to attain unto the liberty and peace of 
the saints. Assist us in our prayers, and bear witness with 
our spirits that we are the children of God. Seal us accord- 
ing to thy promise, and be thyself the earnest of our inher- 
itance until our redemption be complete. 

And now, unto the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost, one God, be all praise, might, worship, and domin- 
ion, world without end. Amen. 



l60 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



PRAYER FOR A DAY OF HUMILIATION. 

Almighty and most merciful God, thou art glorious in 
holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing wonders. 
Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity; — thou 
canst not look upon sin but with abhorrence. Do thou 
pour out upon us this day the spirit of grace and of suppli- 
cation — the spirit of humility and deep abasement. In 
self-renouncing lowliness we desire to take the publican's 
place and cry out, " Unclean, unclean ! — God be merciful 
unto us sinners ! " 

We acknowledge our sins as individuals. Our hearts 
have been estranged from thee ; — we have been lovers of 
pleasure more than lovers of God. Divine things have not 
been exercising a paramount influence over us. We have 
been living for earth ; — seeking our chief good short of thy- 
self, the only soul-satisfying portion. Our love has been 
cold — our faith weak — our graces languid ; — self and sin 
have mingled with our best attempts to glorify thee. 

We acknowledge our sins as families. We have not 
been exhibiting consistency of walk. Thy Word has not 
been prized as it ought. The flame of love and devotion 
has not burned brightly on the domestic altar as it ought. 
The leaven of vital godliness has not been pervading, with 
its hallowed influences, our family engagements, and occu- 
pations, and duties. 

We confess our sins as a church and as a nation. 
Lord, thou hast filled our cup with mercies— thou hast 
dealt with us as thou hast not dealt with any other people. 
But, alas! have we not abused our privileges? We mourn 






FAMILY PRAYERS. l6l 

and blush to think of the vice and profligacy — the intem- 
perance and ungodliness, which is rising up in terrible 
memorial against our land. We mourn our desecrated 
Sabbaths, and deserted sanctuaries, and unread Bibles ; — we 
mourn the eye-service and the lip-homage which, too often 
among thy professing people, takes the place of heart and 
soul consecration : — we mourn the little we have done, the 
much we have left undone, to promote thy cause in the 
world. Father, forgive us these our many and heinous 
offences : humble us in the dust because of all our un- 
worthiness. Give us grace this day, while we mourn the 
past, humbly, but earnestly, to resolve to live more devot- 
edly to thee in the future. Accept of our unworthy confes- 
sions, for Jesus* sake. Sprinkle these guilty hearts with 
his precious blood. Let us seek, in all time to come, to 
walk before thee in holiness and righteousness of life, to the 
glory of thy holy name. Amen. 



1 62 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



PRAYER FOR A DAY OF THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty God ! we adore thee as the Father of lights, 
from whom cometh every good and perfect gift. We come 
before thee as dependent, frail, and guilty creatures, who 
cannot exist without thy support, who cannot be happy 
without thy love. All our powers of mind and body are 
the work of thy hand. Our outward advantages and en- 
joyments are the gifts of thy providence, and all our spirit- 
ual consolations and improvement flow from thy grace. 
We bless thee for all those comforts which have sustained 
and gladdened us in every stage of our pilgrimage. We 
praise thee, that we are made but a little lower than the 
angels, and formed with capacities to know, to love, and 
to rejoice in thee forever. We thank thee, above all for 
the mission of thy beloved Son, for redemption through his 
blood, even the forgiveness of sins, for the possession of the 
precious Gospel, and for the privilege of worshiping thee 
according to the dictates of our own consciences, none dar- 
ing to molest us, or make us afraid. What everlasting 
gratitude is due to thee, that the gospel of thy Son has 
brought life and immortality to light, that his precepts 
point out the path of duty, and that his example encourages 
our works of love ! Blessed be thy name, that his death 
speaks peace and joy to the upright believer, that his res- 
urrection from the grave establishes our confidence in him 
as our divine Mediator and Redeemer, and that his ascen- 
sion to glory enlivens our best and earnest hopes ! 

We entreat thee, for Christ's sake, to be especially 
mindful of our favoured land ; and as thou hast in times 
past, made thyself known unto us as our God, we pray thee, 
in times to come, to continue thy favour unto us. Praise 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 63 

be to thee for the liberty that we enjoy ; forbid that it 
should ever degenerate into licentiousness. Let thine eye 
be ever open toward this thy people. To this end, inspire 
the President of the Unted States and all others in author- 
ity, with the spirit of wisdom and of thy fear. Grant that 
through their exertions, peace and unity may be pre- 
served and diffused throughout this Republic, and that they 
may have the honour of thy name and the extension of the 
kingdom of thy Son at heart. Grant that the several 
United States may remain perpetually joined together by 
the bond of love and peace, that their union may endure to 
the end of time. We commend* unto thine especial favour 
the State in which we dwell ! May thy Spirit so direct our 
goverment, that the effect of all its laws shall be the welfare 
of the citizens. Grant that justice may promptly be ad- 
ministered by our magistrates without respect to persons. 
Send down upon all ministers and their congregations the 
needful spirit of thy grace, and give such efficacy to the 
word of truth and the means of education, that righteous- 
ness and peace may be our perpetual inheritance. G^ant 
grace to the people of this land to acknowledge thee as 
the supreme Governor of the nations, and to dwell together 
in unity and peace. May those that are young remember 
their Creator in the days of their youth, and be restrained 
from the ways of vanity and vice. 

And now, what shall we render unto the Lord for all 
his benefits toward us? How shall we utter the memory of 
thy great goodness ? Open thou our lips, and our mouths 
shall show forth thy praise ; yea, we will sing unto thee 
as long as we live. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the 
Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever 
shall be, world without end. Amen. 



164 



SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION. 

Adorable and incomprehensible God, thou art the 
King of kings and Lord of lords, all whose laws are 
just, and righteous, and good. We thank thee, that when 
all flesh had corrupted its way, and the earth was filled 
with violence and sin, thou didst not cast us off 
from thy presence, but did send thy Son to redeem 
us from the dominion and the curse of sin. We bless 
thy name, O God, that thou didst found thy church 
upon a rock, and promise that the gates of hell shall never 
prevail against her. We thank thee, for the evidences of 
thy divine favour, on the labors of thine apostles and 
ministering servants in the earlier ages. We bless thee, 
that after the unfaithfulness of men had obscured the light 
of. thy truth, after error, superstition and bigotry had cor- 
rupted the heritage of thy Son, thou didst again do good 
unto Zion in thine own time, and build again the broken 
walls of Jerusalem. We thank thee, that thou didst, in 
successive ages, raise up witnesses for the truth. And we 
bless thee that in due time thou didst send thy servants, 
the Reformers, and through them didst revive thy church, 
and restore her primitive purity, and simplicity of doctrine 
and worship. Thanks be to thee, O God, that we are now 
permitted to worship thee according to the dictates of our 
own consciences, none daring to molest us or make us 
afraid. Lord, it was thy work, and not the work of man. 
Thou didst raise up those faithful servants, and teach them 
to see and feel the errors and corruptions of the church. 
We thank thee, that thou didst enlighten them with the 
knowledge of thy truth and set them free, that they might 
bring others to the blessed liberty of Christ Jesus. Thou 
didst inspire them with courage to stand forth as witnesses 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



165 



to thee, to assail the corruptions which had been brought 
into thy sanctuary, and not to fear the enmity of the mighty 
of this world. 

Most merciful God, preserve unto us evermore this in- 
valuable blessing, that all generations to come may rejoice 
in it. Be thou continually the Defender, the Protector, and 
the Savior of thy church Enlighten, sanctify and bless her 
through thy holy word and sacraments. Grant her grace 
rightly to value the privileges which thou hast bestowed 
upon her, that she may hold fast what she hath, that no 
man may take her crown. Purify her from all offences, 
and graciously defend from all schisms and divisions. We 
beseech thee, O thou Lord of the harvest, to raise up and 
qualify, and send forth many more laborers into the field 
of the world, that they may soon preach the gospel to every 
creature. Accompany their preaching with the mighty in- 
fluence of thy Spirit, that sinners may be awakened, that 
saints may be edified, and thy kingdom be built up in holi- 
ness and faith. Help us to stand fast in the liberty where- 
with Christ hath made us free, and never suffer us to be- 
come the slaves of men or servants of sin. Have mercy, 
O God, upon all mankind ! Bestow the blessings which 
we enjoy upon all our brethren, who are destitute of them. 
Restrain, every where, the kingdom of darkness upon earth, 
and cause the light of thy truth to shine in all the world. 
Turn the hearts of those who hate thy word, and pardon 
their iniquities. Visit with thy saving power all who suffer 
tribulation, oppression, and persecution, and deliver them 
by thy mighty arm out of all their troubles. Enlighten 
and lead back those who have erred and strayed from thee, 
convince the doubting, strengthen the weak-hearted, and 
make all thy children meet for their eternal and blissful in- 
heritance, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. 



1 66 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



MORNING OF A COMMUNION SABBATH. 

Almighty and everlasting God, we bless thee for the 
return of another day of the Son of man. May our com- 
munion and fellowship this day be with the Father, and with 
his Son Jesus Christ. 

We thank thee for the prospect we have — of surround- 
ing once more the table in the wilderness, and partaking of 
the bread of everlasting life. Give to each of us the " wed- 
ding garment." Let us prepare to meet our God. May 
we feel that the place whereon we are to stand is holy 
ground; and rejoice at the renewed opportunity of testify- 
ing, in the presence of angels and men, our unaltered and 
unalterable attachment to our blessed Lord and Master. In 
a strength greater than our own, may we be enabled to 
resolve, that he will be henceforth ours, only — ours wholly 
— ours forever. 

Give us this day a lively impression of the great love 
wherewith he hath loved us. May our faith be strength- 
ened, and our love deepened, and our graces renewed. 
May this be the grateful aspiration of our hearts — " What 
shall we render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards 
us? We will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the 
name of the Lord ; we will pay our vows unto the Lord 
now in the presence of all his people." 

We pray for all who are to commune with us this day 
at thy table. Give to each of them some special tokens 
of thy covenant love. May their experience be — " It was 
good for us to draw near unto God." Keep back all pre- 
sumptuous and unworthy guests. Encourage all misgiving, 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 67 

trembling, faint-hearted ones. While feeling their own un- 
worthiness, may they remember they go to commemorate 
the infinite worthiness of him who is Allworthy. May they 
hear thy voice of encouragement saying, " Fear not, for I 
know that ye seek Jesus who was crucified." 

Go forth this day everywhere with the preaching of thy 
holy Gospel. May wanderers be reclaimed; may mourn- 
ers be comforted ; may saints be edified ; may thy name be 
glorified. 

We commend to thy paternal keeping our beloved 
friends. May they be among the number of thy sealed 
ones. Sanctify them in body, soul, and spirit, that they 
may at last be presented faultless and unblameable before 
thy dear Son at his appearing. Bless this household ; let 
us all at last sit down, one united and undivided family, 
with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, at the better feast of 
communion in thy heavenly kingdom. And all that we 
ask is for the sake of Jesus Christ, our crucified, but now 
risen and exalted Savior. Amen. 



i68 



SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



EVENING OF A COMMUNION SABBATH. 

Most gracious God, who hast in thy good providence 
brought us to the close of another Sabbath, we entreat thee 
to accept of our unfeigned thanks for all the loving-kind- 
ness and tender mercy thou hast made this day to pass 
before us. We bless thee for all that our eyes have seen, and 
ears have heard, of the Word of life. May the benediction 
and blessing of the Master of the feast rest upon us. May 
we descend from the holy mount rejoicing in the presence 
of him who brought us into his own banqueting house, and 
caused his banner over us to be love. Give us grace to pay 
the vows which our lips have this day uttered ; fulfill in us 
all the good pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of 
faith with power, that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ 
may be magnified. As we have named his precious name 
anew, may we henceforth depart from all iniquity. Send us 
help out of thy sanctuary, and strenghten us out of Zion : — 
may the Lord grant us the desires of our hearts, and fulfill 
all our petitions. May a Communion Sabbath's services 
diffuse a hallowed glow over all the duties and engagements 
of the week : — may we show to the world that we have 
been with Jesus, and that it has been no vain thing for us 
to draw near unto God. 

Lord, our own strength is weakness ; but we will go 
in the strength of the Lord God. May we be kept by thy 
mighty power. Let us hear thy monitory voice ever say- 
ing to us, — " When thou thinkest thou standest, take heed 
lest thou fall/ 7 ' Keep us from the beginnings of sin ; pre- 
serve us from venturing on uncertain ground; may we ever 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 



169 



be where we should wish to be found by our Lord when 
he cometh. 

We pray for those who have joined with us this day 
in the same solemn and sacred ordinance. We commend 
each and all to the great Shepherd of the sheep, who, 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, will make 
them perfect to do his will. 

Regard, in thy great mercy, any who may have been 
prevented from waiting upon thee in thy house and in thine 
ordinances. May they that tarry at home divide the spoil. 
Compensate, by an increased supply of thine own promised 
grace, for the want of public services. Transform every 
sick- chamber, and every death-bed, into the house of God 
and the gate of heaven. May valuable lives be prolonged. 
May the bereaved be comforted : may they repose on him 
who bare their sorrows and who knows their sorrows. 

Take the charge of us this night ; watch over us dur- 
ing the unconscious hours of sleep ; may we all come at 
last to the eternal blessedness of an uninterrupted Com- 
munion Sabbath in glory, around which no shadows shall 
fall ; — for " there shall be no night there, and they need no 
candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth 
them light, and they shall reign forever and ever." Amen. 



170 



SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



FOR A TIME OF BEREAVEMENT. 



O Lord God almighty, we rejoice to think that "the 
Lord reigneth ; " — that though thy way sometimes seems 
to be in the sea, and thy path in the deep waters, and thy 
judgments unsearchable, yet that nothing can happen by 
accident or chance — but all is the unerring dictate of infinite 
wisdom and unchanging faithfulness and love. 

Where would we be at this hour, but for the blessed 
assurance, " This also cometh from the Lord of Hosts/' 
who though " wonderful in counsel," is ever " excellent in 
working." Often we cannot discern, through our tears, the 
rectitude and love of thy varied dispensations. 

Thou didst it. Man may err, and has often erred ; 
but, O unerring God ! Thy faithfulness thou hast estab- 
lished in the heavens ; — the Judge of all the earth must do 
right. We would seek to lie submissive at thy feet, and 
say, " Thy will be done." 

Lord, abundantly sanctify this solemn dispensation to 
every member of our household, — to all our friends and 
neighbors. May the monitory voice sound loudly in our ears, 
" Be ye also ready." It is another testimony borne to the 
truth, that at such a time as we think not, the Son of God 
may come. May it be ours ever to live in preparation for 
that solemn event which awaits us all. Whatsoever our 
hand findeth to do, may we do it with our might, remem- 
bering that there is no work, nor device, nor labor, nor 
repentance in the grave, whither we are going. 

Enable us to look forward to that blessed hope and 
that glorious appearing, when " them also which sleep in 
Jesus will God bring with him." 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I/I 

Lord, meanwhile descend, and to the friendless prove 
a Friend. O thou Helper of the helpless, thou Comforter of 
all that are cast down, thou better and dearer than the 
dearest and best of earthly relatives, give us that grace 
which thou hast promised specially in seasons of weakness ; 
may we realise the truth of thy own precious promise, " As 
thy day is, so shall thy strength be." Deep is now calling 
to deep, all thy waves and thy billows are going over us ; 
yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day- 
time, and in the night his song shall be with us, and our 
prayer to the God of our life. However low we may be 
sunk under the waves, the arm of thy love and upholding 
grace are lower still. May it be our sweet experience, that 
the deeper we sink, we discover more the infinite depths 
of thy love and mercy. May this thought reconcile us to 
bear all and suffer all — ' we shall soon be done with a pre- 
sent evil world, and be with our God, and that forever and 
ever. 7 . 

Do thou hide us meanwhile in the clefts of the Smitten 
Rock, until this and all other of earth'' s calamities be over- 
past. May we trust thee where we cannot trace thee ; and 
wait patiently for the great day of disclosures, when all shall 
be revealed, and all be found redounding to the praise and 
the glory of thy great name. 

Hear us, blessed God ; and all that we ask is for the 
sake of thy dear Son, our only Lord and Savior. Amen. 



172 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



PRAYER TO BE USED BY A FAMILY DETAINED 
FROM PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

Almighty and everlasting God, thou art glorious in 
holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing wonders. 
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, thy dominion en- 
dureth throughout all generations. Amid all the changes 
and vicissitudes of a changing world thou the Lord chang- 
est not. Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no 
end. 

We desire to bless and praise thy holy name for the 
return of another day of the Son of man. This is the day 
which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in 
it. Do thou go forth everywhere with the preaching of the 
everlasting gospel. Clothe thy ministers with salvation : 
let thy saints shout aloud for joy. May the assemblies of 
thy people be enabled to worship thee in the beauties of 
holiness, and feel it to be good for them to draw near unto 
God. It is our comfort to know that thou art not confined 
to temples made with hands ; — that wherever there is a 
true worshipper, there, there is a prayer-hearing God. O 
thou God of Bethel — God of our fathers, and the covenant 
God of all who truly fear thee, do thou look down in kind- 
ness on us who are prevented this day, by the restraints of 
thy Providence from joining with our fellow- Christians in 
the public services of the sanctuary. It is not to numbers 
thou lookest: — wherever two or three are gathered to- 
gether in thy name, we have thine own recorded promise, 
that there thou wilt be in the midst of them to bless them 
and to do them good. Though thou lovest the gates of 
Zion, thou art not confined to temples made with hands. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 73 

Let the pillar of thy promised presence go before us ; 
may we feel like thy disciples of old, when the voices of 
heavenly messengers on the mount were silenced — that we 
are " alone with Jesus." Gracious Savior, abide thou with 
us ; we are independent of all ordinances if we have thee. 
It is thy presence and love which gives a blessing to all 
outward means of grace ; thy most hallowed altar is the 
altar of a humble, lowly, contrite heart ; thy most accept- 
able sacrifice is the incense of grateful love — of devoted, 
obedient, submissive lives. 

Lord, may every returning Sabbath be finding us bet- 
ter prepared for the eternal Sabbath. May sin be dying 
within us. May we be progressively advancing in the 
divine life. May we be abounding in faith, and hope, and 
love ; seeking by thy grace to walk in newness of life — 
more humbly — more consistently, more prayerfully. May 
we live as dying creatures. May all the selemn events that 
are taking place among ourselves and around us, be so 
many voices proclaiming, " Arise and depart ye, for this is 
not your rest." 

Do thou look down in mercy on all our dear friends ; 
may they too see the good of thy chosen, and glory with 
thine inheritance ; may the fragrance of this day's services 
follow them throughout the week ; may they have the in- 
creasing experience that the way of holiness is the way of 
happiness. 

And now, Lord, what wait we for? Our hope for our- 
selves, and for all hear and dear to us, is in thee. Hear us 
for the sake of him whom thou hearest always, and in 
whose most precious name and words we would further 
pray, saying, Our Father, etc. 






174 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



PRAYER TO BE USED AT THE BEDSIDE OF A 
DYING BELIEVER. 

Ever Blessed God, we rejoice to know that our times 
are in thy hands. The Lord gives us our lives — the Lord 
has a sovereign right to take them away ; give us grace to 
say, " Blessed be the name of the Lord ! " Do thou look 
down in great mercy on thy servant, whom thou art about 
to take to thyself. Let him know, that, leaning on Jesus, 
the sting is plucked away from death, and the grave is 
robbed of its victory. Oh, thou ever-living Redeemer, thou 
great " Abolisher of Death/' who hast brought life and im- 
mortality to light by the Gospel, smooth this dying pillow 
— let thy voice be heard, saying, " Fear not, it is I ; be not 
afraid ! " Grant relief from suffering. Give him a peaceful 
entrance into glory : may thine angels even now be waiting 
to waft him to thy presence — may he know that thou art 
faithful who hast promised, " Lo, I am with you alway, 
even unto the end of the world ! " Forgive, oh, forgive all 
his past sins. May this be the one glorious truth to which 
his soul clings in a dying hour : " The blood of Jesus 
Christ, God's Son, cleanseth from all sin." Lord, may 
thine own blessed soul-sustaining peace be his ; a few more 
moments and he will wake up in heaven ; sorrow and sigh- 
ing shall have fled away forever. May he feel that to de- 
part and to be with Christ is indeed far better. Hear us, 
good Lord, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

" And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 
Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from 
henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from 
their labors ; and their works do follow them.'' 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 75 

" In my Father's house there are many mansions ; if 
it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a 
place for you ; and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will 
come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am 
there ye may be also." 

" When thou passest through the waters I will be with 
thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : 
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be 
burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I 
am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior." 

" Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod 
and thy staff they comfort me." 

" For we know that if our earthly house of this taber- 
nacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

" And one of the elders answered, saying unto me 
What are these which are arrayed in white robes ? and 
whence came they ? And I said unto him, Sir, thou know- 
est. And he said unto me, These are they which came out 
of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made 
them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they 
before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in 
his temple ; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell 
among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst 
any more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any 
heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne 
shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains 
of waters ; and God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes." Amen. 



176 



SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



A PRAYER TO BE UTTERED BY THE SICK. 



FROM JEREMY TAYLOR'S " HOI,Y UVING." 

O holy Jesus, thou art a merciful High-priest, and 
touched with the sense of our infirmities; thou knowest the 
sharpness of my sickness and the weakness of my person. 
The clouds are gathered about me, and thou hast covered 
me with thy storm: my understanding hath not such 
apprehension of things as formerly. Lord, let thy mercy 
support me, thy Spirit guide me, and lead me through the 
valley of this death safely ; that I may pass it patiently, 
holily, with perfect resignation ; and let me rejoice in the 
Lord, in the hopes of pardon, in the expectation of glory, 
in the sense of thy mercies, in the refreshments of thy 
Spirit, in a victory over all temptations. 

Thou hast promised to be with us in tribulation : Lord, 
my soul is troubled, and my body is weak, and my hope is 
in thee, and my enemies are busy and mighty ; now make 
good thy holy promise. Now, O holy Jesus, now let thy 
hand of grace be upon me : restrain my spiritual enemies, 
and give me all sorts of spiritual assistances. Lord, re- 
member thy servant in the day when thou bindest up thy 
jewels. 

O take from me all tediousness of spirit, all impatience 
and unquietness : let me possess my soul in patience, and 
resign my soul and body into thy hands, as into the hands 
of a faithful Creator, and a blessed Redeemer. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 177 



A PRAYER OF PARENTS FOR THEIR CHIL- 
DREN. 

O Lord our God, the God of the spirits of all flesh ! 
all souls are thine, the souls of the parents and the souls of 
the children are thine, and thou hast grace sufficient for 
both. 

Thou wast our fathers 7 God, and as such we will exalt 
thee; thou art our children's God, and also we will plead 
with thee, for the promise is to us and to our children, and 
thou art a God in covenant with believers and their seed. 

Lord, it is thy good providence that hath built us up 
into a family. We thank thee for the children thou hast 
graciously given thy servants ; the Lord that hath blessed 
us with them, make them blessings indeed to us, that we 
may never be tempted to wish we had been written child- 
less. 

We lament the iniquity which our children are conceived 
and born in ; and that corrupt nature which they derive 
through our loins. 

But we bless thee there is a fountain opened for their 
cleansing from that original pollution, and that they were 
betimes by baptism dedicated to thee, and admitted into the 
bonds, and under the blessings of thy covenant ; that they 
are born in thy house, and taken in as members of thy 
family upon earth. 

It is a comfort to us to think that they are baptized, 
and we desire humbly to plead it with thee ; they are thine, 
save them ; enable them, as they become capable, to make 
it their own act and deed to join themselves unto the Lord, 
that they may be owned as thine in that day when thou 
makest up thy jewels. 



I78 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

Give them a good capacity of mind, and a good dis- 
position, make them submissive and tractable, and willing 
to receive instruction ; incline them betimes to religion and 
virtue : Lord, give them wisdom and understanding, and 
drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts. 

Save them from the vanity which childhood and youth 
are subject to, and fit them every way to live comfortably 
and usefully in this world. We ask not for great things in 
this world for them : give them if it please thee, a strong 
and healthful constitution of body, preserve them from all 
accidents, and feed them with food convenient for them, 
occording to their rank. 

But the chief thing we ask of God for them is, that 
thou wilt pour thy Spirit upon our seed, even thy blessing, 
that blessing of blessings, upon our offspring, that they 
may be a seed to serve thee, which shall be accounted 
unto the Lord for a generation. Give them that good part 
which shall never be taken away from them. 

Give us wisdom and grace to bring them up in thy 
fear, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, with meek- 
ness and tenderness, and having them in subjection with all 
gravity. Teach us how to teach them the things of God 
as they are able to bear them, and how to reprove and 
admonish, and when there is need to correct them in a 
right manner ; and how to set them good examples of 
everything that is virtuous and praise-worthy, that we may 
recommend religion to them, and so train them up in the 
way wherein they should go, that if they live to be old, 
they may not depart from it. 

Keep them from the snare of evil company, and all the 
temptations to which they are exposed, and make them 
betimes sensible how much it is their interest, as well as 
their duty, to be religious : and, Lord, grant that none that 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 179 

come of us, may come short of eternal life, or be found on 
the left hand of Christ in the great day. 

We earnestly pray that Christ may be formed in their 
souls betimes, and that the seeds of grace may be sown in 
their hearts while they are young ; and we may have the 
satisfaction of seeing them walking in the truth, and setting 
their faces heavenwards. Give them now to hear counsel 
and receive instruction, that they may be wise in their lat- 
ter end : and if they be wise, our hearts shall rejoice, even 
ours. 

Prosper the means of their education ; let our children 
be taught of the Lord, that great may be their peace ; and 
give them so to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus 
Christ whom thou hast sent, as may be life eternal to them. 

O that they may betimes get wisdom, and get under- 
standing, and never forget it : as far as they are tj^ght 
the truth as it is in Jesus, give them to continue in the 
things which they have learned. 

It is our heart's desire and prayer that our children 
may be praising God on earth, when we are gone to praise 
him in heaven, and that we and they may be together for- 
ever, serving him day and night in his temple. 

If it should please God to remove any of them from 
us while they are young, let us have grace submissively to 
resign them to thee, and let us have hope in their death. 

If thou remove us from them while they are young, be 
thou thyself a Father to them, to teach them and provide 
for them, for with thee the fatherless findeth mercy. 

Thou knowest our care concerning them, we cast it 
upon thee ; ourselves and ours we commit to thee. 

Let not the light of our family religion be put out with 
us, nor that treasure be buried in our graves, but let those 
that come after us do thee more and better service in their 



180 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

day than we have done in ours, and be unto thee for a 
name and a praise. 

In these prayers we aim at thy glory. Father, let thy 
name be sanctified in our family ; there let thy kingdom 
come, and let thy will be done by us and ours, as it is done 
by the angels in heaven ; for Christ Jesus' sake, our blessed 
Savior and Redeemer, whose seed shall endure forever, and 
his throne as the days of heaven. Now to the Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, that great and sacred name, into which we 
and our children were baptized, be honor and glory, do- 
minion and praise, henceforth and forever. Amen. 






FAMILY PRAYERS. l8l 



A PRAYER TO BE USED BY CHILDREN. 

O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee. Thou 
art my God, and I will praise thee ; my father's God, and I 
will extol thee. 

Who is a God like unto thee, glorious in holiness, fear- 
ful[in praises, doing wonders ? 

Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none 
upon earth that I desire besides thee. When my flesh and 
my heart fail, thou art the strength of my heart and my 
portion forever. 

Thou madest me for thyself, to show forth thy praise. 

God be merciful to me a sinner. 

O deliver me from the wrath to come, through Christ 
Jesus, who died for me, and rose again. 

Lord, give me a new nature. Let Jesus Christ be 
formed in my soul, that to me to live may be Christ, and to 
die may be gain. 

Lord, I was in my baptism given up to thee ; receive 
me graciously, and love me freely. 

Lord Jesus, thou hast encouraged little children to 
come to thee, and hast said, that of such is the kingdom of 
God; I come to thee ; O make me a faithful subject of thy 
kingdom, take me up in thy arms, put thy hands upon me, 
and bless me. 

O give me grace to redeem me from all iniquity, and 
particularly from the vanity which childhood and youth are 
subject to. 

Lord, give me a wise and understanding heart, that I 
may know and do thy will in everything, and may in noth- 
ing sin against thee. 



1 82 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

Lord, grant that from my childhood I may know the 
Holy Scriptures, and may continue in the good things that 
I have learned. 

Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me thy 
law graciously. 

Lord, be thou a Father to me ; teach me and guide 
me ; provide for me, and protect me, and bless me, even 
me, my Father. 

Bless all my relations, (father, mother, brothers, sisters,) 
and give me grace to do my duty to them in everything. 

Lord, prepare me for death, and give me wisely to 
consider my latter end. 

Lord, I thank thee for all thy mercies to me ; for 
life and health, food and raiment, and for my education ; for 
my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; 
but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption 
of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of 
grace, and the hope of glory. 

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift ; blessed be 
God for Jesus Christ. None but Christ, none but Christ 
for me. 

Now to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 
that great name into which I was baptized, be honor and 
glory, dominion and praise, forever and ever. Amen. 

Our Father, which art in heaven, etc. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 83 



ANOTHER PRAYER FOR CHILDREN. 

WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1 703 BY REV. MATTHEW HENRY. 

Lord, thou art an infinite and eternal Spirit, most 
wise and powerful, holy, just and good. 

Thou art the great God who madest the world, and 
art my Creator; and thou who madest me dost preserve and 
maintain me, and in thee I live and move, and have my 
being. O that I may remember thee as my Creator in the 
days of my youth, and never forget thee. 

Lord, give me grace to serve and honor thee, to wor- 
ship and obey thee, and in all my ways to trust in thee, and 
to please thee. 

Lord, I thank thee for thy holy word, which thou hast 
given me to be the rule of my faith and obedience, and 
which is able to make me wise unto salvation. 

1 confess, O Lord, that the condition which I was born 
in is sinful and miserable. I am naturally prone to that 
which is evil, and backward to that which is good, and fool- 
ishness is bound up in my heart, and I am by nature a 
child of wrath ; so that if thou hadst not raised up a Savior 
for me, I had been certainly lost and undone forever. 

But, blessed, and forever blessed be God for the 
Savior Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, and the only 
Mediator between God and man, who took our nature upon 
him, and became man, that he might redeem and save us. 

Lord, I bless thee, for his holy life, give me to follow 
his steps ; I bless thee for the true and excellent doctrines 
which he preached, help me to receive them in faith. I 
bless thee for the miracles which he wrought to confirm his 
doctrine; and especially that he died the cursed death of 
the cross to satisfy for sin, and to reconcile us to God ; and 



184 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

that he rose again from the dead on the third day, and 
ascended up into heaven, where he ever lives, making in- 
tercession for us, and hath all power both in heaven and in 
earth ; and that we are assured he will come again in glory 
to judge the world at the last day. 

Lord, I thank thee that I am one of his disciples ; for 
I am a baptized Christian ; and I give glory to Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, in whose name I w^s baptized. 

Lord, be thou in Christ to me a God, and make me 
one of thy people. 

Be thou my chief good and highest end ; let Jesus 
Christ be my prince and Savior ; and let the Holy Ghost 
be my sanctifier, teacher, guide, and comforter. 

Lord, enable me to deny all ungodliness, and worldly 
fleshly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and goldly, in 
this present world, always looking for the blessed hope. 

Work in me repentance towards God, and faith towards 
our Lord Jesus Christ ; and give me to live a life of faith 
and repentance. 

Lord, make me truly sorry in what I have offended 
thee, in what I have thought, and spoken, and done amiss, 
and give me grace to sin no more. 

And enable me to receive Jesus Christ, and to rely 
upon him as my prophet, priest and king, and to give up 
myself to be ruled and taught, and saved by him. 

Lord, grant unto me the pardon of my sins, the gift of 
the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. 

And give me grace to manifest the sincerity of my faith 
and repentance, by a diligent and conscientious obedience 
to all thy commandments. 

Enable me to love thee with all my heart, and to love 
my neighbor as myself. 

Give me grace always to make mention of thy name 
with reverence and seriousness, to read and hear thy word 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I 85 

with diligence and attention, to meditate upon it, to believe 
it, and B to frame my life according to it. 

Lord, grant that I may receive all thy mercies with 
thankfulness, and bear all afflictions with patience, and 
submission to thy holy will. 

Lord, grant that my heart may never be lifted up with 
pride, disturbed with anger, or any sinful passion ; and that 
my body may never be defiled with intemperance, unclean- 
ness, or any fleshly lusts ; and keep me from ever speaking 
any sinful words. 

Lord give me grace to reverence and obey my parents 
and governors ; I thank thee for their instructions and re- 
proofs ; I pray thee bless them to me, and make me in 
everything a comfort to them. 

Lord, pity, help, and succor the poor, and those in 
afflictions and distress. 

Lord, bless my friends, forgive my enemies, and enable 
me to do my duty to all men. 

Wherein I have in anything affended thee, I humbly 
pray for pardon in the blood of Christ, and grace to do my 
duty better for the time to come, and so to live in the fear 
of God, as that I may be happy in this world, and that to 
come. 

Lord, prepare me to die, and leave this world : O save 
me from that state of everlasting misery and torment, which 
will certainly be the portion of .all the wicked and ungodly, 
and bring me safe to the world of everlasting rest and joy 
with thee and Jesus Christ. 

And give me wisdom and grace to live a holy, godly 
life, and to make it my great care and business to serve 
thee, and to save my own soul. 

All this I humbly beg in the name, and for the sake of 
Jesus Christ, my blessed Savior and Redeemer, to whom 
with thee, O Father, and the eternal Spirit, be honor, glory, 
and praise, henceforth and for evermore. Amen. 



1 86 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



PRAYERS FOR OPENING A SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we thank thee for 
thy mercy which thou hast manifested unto us, in watching 
over and preserving us during another week, in providing 
for all our wants, and in bringing us together again in this 
place of instruction. We beseech thee to fill our hearts 
with sincere love to thy Holy Word, that we may learn to 
know thee more perfectly as thou art, and Jesus Christ 
whom thou hast sent into the world to redeem us from all 
our sins. We pray thee to grant that we and all mankind 
may believe in him, and love, serve and obey him unto 
everlasting life. 

We thank thee for the precious promises of thy Word 
and for the hopes of the gospel. We thank thee that we 
enjoy so many privileges of learning thy will, and that thy 
truth is so plain that very little children may understand the 
things which are pleasing to thee and good for us. Oh, 
help every one of us — both scholars and teachers — to learn 
thy will with more delight. Give us thy Spirit, to fill us 
with love to thee and thy commandments. 

Gracious Redeemer, grant wisdom to the teachers of 
this school, to enable them to teach thy truth with plain- 
ness. Make their hearts deeply anxious for the spiritual 
welfare of their respective classes. Give the children under- 
standing and obedient hearts. Cause this school, which is 
dear to us, and which we believe is dear to thee, to be a 
means of everlasting good to all who belong to it. Do 
thou draw the hearts of the children to thy church, and 
may they all become active in thy kingdom. Oh, may 
they grow up to be unto thee a peculiar people, zealous of 
good works. 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 87 

Give us true repentance for our sins, and blot them out 
of thy book. Ever keep us in thy fear as long as we re- 
main on the earth, and then raise us to the glory of heaven : 
and we will give all the praise of our salvation to the 
Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen. 



Our Father, who art in heaven, look in tender compas- 
sion on us, thy dependent children, as we are assembled 
before thee. We thank thee for preserving our life and 
health during the past week, and bringing us hither on this 
thy holy day to be instructed in the truths of thy Word. 
Our blessed Savior has told us that thou art more willing 
to grant us thy Holy Spirit than earthly parents are to 
give good gifts to their children. Pour out his sacred influ- 
ences, therefore, upon us at this time, that these children 
may be attentive to the instructions of their teachers, and 
that we all, both teachers and pupils, may take to heart the 
truths of thy Holy Word. Fill us with love to thee, and to 
Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. May we all be punctual 
in our attendance at school, and endeavor to discharge our 
duties in a reverent and devout manner. Teach these 
children to love the Sabbath and its privileges. Bless our 
dear pastor and teachers, who labor for the good of souls 
from Sabbath to Sabbath. Enable us to be faithful in train- 
ing these children to be useful members of thy church on 
earth, and preparing them for entrance into thy heavenly 
kingdom, there to dwell forever with the blessed Savior and 
his holy angels, and with all who love the Lord Jesus : and 
we will ascribe all the praise and glory to God the Father, 
the Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 



Our Father, who art in heaven, we desire to come be- 
fore thee in deep humility of soul. We adore thee for 
thy greatness and glory. We worship thee as the Maker 



1 88 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

and Governor of all things. We praise thee as the 
Giver and Preserver of our lives. Help us with sincere 
hearts to thank thee for all thy goodness toward us, in pro- 
viding for all our wants, in continuing to us health, and 
friends, and home, and all the comforts of life we enjoy. 
Make us all deeply thankful to thee for all thy mercy 
towards us in granting us the gift of a Savior and all the 
instructions of thy Word. We thank thee for thy church, 
which thou hast planted in the world, for the holy Sabbath- 
day, and all the other blessings and privileges which thou 
hast graciously given us. We also thank thee for the 
Sabbath-school, in which so many of the children and 
youths of this day are taught to know and fear thee. 

O Lord, thou unspeakably great and adorable One, 
draw nigh to us all at this time. Let thy Holy Spirit more 
deeply impress our hearts with a sense of our sinfulness. 
We confess that we have greatly offended thee by breaking 
thy Holy Commandments. We have often sinned by 
thought and word and deed. Help us truly to sorrow over 
our forgetfulness of thy will, and to hate all sin with perfect 
hatred. Help all of us, even to the least among us, to trust 
in our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. Do thou, most merciful 
God, for his sake forgive all our sins. Fill our hearts with 
love to thee and with reverence for thy Holy Laws. Take 
away from us all evil tempers and desires, and help us every 
day to become more like our blessed Savior, who never did 
any sin, but was always gentle and harmless. Help all 
these children to love and keep holy the Sabbath day, and 
to delight in the Sabbath-school and the church. May 
their hearts find great pleasure in thy Holy Bible, which is 
the best of all books. May they love to sing thy praises 
and to pray to thee for thy favor every day. 

O Lord, we pray for thy blessing to descend on all the 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 89 

families to which we belong. Make all the parents of these 
children pious and kind. Oh, may all the scholars in this 
school have good instructions and examples given them at 
home, and may their homes be very happy. Bless the 
teachers of this Sabbath-school. May they love the work 
of teaching the young more than ever. Help them to con- 
sider the greatness of the work given them to do ; and may 
they do it with zeal. Assist the pupils all to delight in the 
instructions of their teachers, and to profit by the same. 
Oh, may they love thee, their parents and friends, their 
brothers and sisters, their schoolmates, and all mankind. 
May much good be done here in thy name this day. May 
we all love and follow the Savior as long as we live in the 
world, and when we die, be raised to the joys and glories of 
heaven. Grant these, and all other blessings we need, for 
the sake of our blessed and only Savior. Amen. 



O Lord, our most merciful Redeemer, who didst take 
up little children in thine arms, and didst bless them, look 
down graciously on us and bless us also. We confess that 
we are sinners; from the youngest to the eldest of us, we 
have erred and strayed from thee like lost sheep. But, O 
Lord, have mercy on us ; turn us, and so shall we be turned ; 
and wash away all our guilt in the blood of Jesus Christ, 
our only Mediator and Advocate. O thou, who out of the 
mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained praise, fill our 
hearts, we beseech thee, with love, and our lips with 
thanksgiving. To thy goodness we owe every blessing we 
enjoy. While other children are suffering hunger and 
disease and cold, thou art doing us good by day and by 
night, and giving us food, and health, and raiment. We 
bless thee for these thy mercies towards us ; but, above all, 
we bless thee for the redeeming love of Christ, for all the 



190 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

means of grace, and for the hope of glory. O God, the 
Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we beseech thee for 
all sorts and conditions of men. Bless the country and all 
the officers of government ; bless thy church, and give her 
speedy victory over all her enemies ; bless all Sunday- 
schools, with their officers and teachers, and make them 
more and more useful. Let thy blessing descend also upon 
the ministers of the gospel; and may thy kingdom be estab- 
lished in the hearts of all people. Look down in mercy 
on our relations and friends, and teach them to va ] ue thy 
favor above life itself. Finally, we beseech thee to bless us, 
even us also ; help us to improve the hours we spend 
within these walls ; as scholars, make us obedient to our 
teachers and kind to our companions. 

Especially bless us on this holy day. May thy pres- 
ence dwell with us in thy house of prayer, enable us to 
worship thee in spirit and in truth, and prevent us from be- 
ing drowsy or forgetful hearers of thy word. 

Open our understandings to understand the Holy 
Scriptures. Endue our souls with every holy disposition, 
and preserve us from the corruptions and evils which are in 
the world. We ask every blessing for the s; ke of Jesus 
Christ, our Savior. Amen. 



Almighty a*nd most merciful God, who hast graciously 
promised in thy Holy Word to hear the united prayers of 
thy children, we humbly beseech thee to accept the offering 
of our thanks for the preservation of our lives, our powers 
and faculties, and all our outward comforts and advantages. 
Help us now to read thy Word, and to receive instruction 
in the doctrines ol salvation with attention and meekness, 
that our souls may be nourished with bread from heaven, 
and that we may be made meet to live with thee and Jesus 
Christ our Savior forever and ever. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I9I 

Help all of us to feel more deeply how sinful and help- 
less we are. Lead us all to be truly humble before thee, 
because of our unworthiness. Give grace to both teachers 
and pupils to be sincerely sorry for all the sins we have 
ever committed against thee ; and do thou in much mercy 
forgive us all the evil we have ever done. Grant us thy 
grace, that we may hereafter watch and pray, lest we enter 
into temptation. 

Bless this Sabbath-school in all its members and rela- 
tions. Make it a means of great good to all this neighbor- 
hood. May the children and youth who here learn thy 
will, grow up in thy fear and be found walking in the ways 
of piety. May they be obedient to their parents, attentive 
to their teachers, and kind to each other. Bless also the 
families which are here represented. 

Let thy blessing, merciful Father, be given to Sabbath- 
schools everywhere. Make them more and more useful to 
the church of our blessed Redeemer. Let thy kingdom of 
grace and peace extend 'throughout the world, that the 
name of our God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — may be 
glorified throughout the world and forever. Amen. 



Holy and merciful God, we praise and adore thee as 
the giver of life and all our blessings. We do thank thee 
that though thou art so great that the angels cannot tell 
thy greatness, yet thou dost think of us and all our wants. 
We thank thee that though thou hast never had a begin- 
ning, and wilt forever continue to exist, thou dost remember 
us weak and dying creatures. 

We are again before thee as a Sabbath-school, because 
thou didst in mercy watch over us through another week. 
We confess that we have not deserved thy goodness towards 
us, because we have been forgetful of thee, and have 






192 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

broken thy Holy Commandments. Help us all, both teach- 
ers and scholars, to unite in worshiping thee in spirit and in 
truth. While we appear before thee with our lips, may 
our hearts be not far from thee. O Lord, help us always 
sincerely to desire what we ask of thee with our words. 
May all our singing, all our praying, and all our teaching 
and learning, be acceptable before thee. 

O Lord, give us thy Holy Spirit to fill us with love to 
thee and all that is good. May he help us to understand 
thy holy will, and to take great delight in obeying thee. 
Assist us to engage in the lessons of the school this day 
with attentive and solemn minds. May all things be done 
decently and in order. May all the teachers remember that 
it is a great work to teach even a little child the way to the 
Savior and to heaven. Do thou in mercy incline all the 
pupils of this school to lay up in their minds all the good 
things they here learn from the Bible. While the children 
are taught the meaning and the holiness of thy command- 
ments, and the wickedness of sin, lead them to see and feel 
how greatly they have sinned against thee, the greatest and 
best of all beings. May they all sorrow over their sins and 
lament that they are sinners, so that they may believe in 
Jesus Christ, the Savior of men. Oh, fill their souls with 
love to the Savior, that they may ever follow him. Help 
them to be Christian children, so that if they should soon 
be taken away by death, they may be prepared for heaven ; 
or, that if they should live to become men and women, they 
may be very faithful members of thy church, and be greatly 
useful in thy service. 

We thank thee that in thy providence thou hast 
raised up the institution of the Sabbath-school. Grant thy 
blessing upon Sabbath-schools wherever they are held. 
May they become more useful than they have ever been ; 



FAMILY PRAYERS. I93 

and do thou cause them to spread throughout the whole 
world. 

And now, O our Father and God, we pray thee to 
pardon all our sins. May our hearts and our lives become 
more and more pure. Help us to overcome all temptations 
and to avoid all sinful company. Give us grace to love and 
praise thee as long as we live. And whatever else thou 
seest we need to make us blessed in this world and the 
next, be thou pleased in mercy to give us, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ Amen. 






194 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 



PRAYERS FOR CLOSING A SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

O God, our heavenly Father, before we close these 
exercises, we would give thanks unto thee for all things 
which we have received from thy bountiful Providence. 
Grant, we pray thee, that all that we have heard at this 
time may be blessed to the enlightening of our understand- 
ing and to the sanctification of our hearts, that the power 
of thy word may appear in our whole life. Preserve us, O 
Lord of mercy, from all folly and temptation by which our 
hearts way be corrupted, the seed of thy word destroyed, 
and our souls polluted. Let thy good Spirit always dwell 
within us, and create in us a pure heart, and lead us in the 
way everlasting. Guard us from all dangers, and protect 
us from all evil, during the week which we have now com- 
menced ; and, if it be thy will, bring us together again, to 
praise thee with purer hearts for thy mercy and goodness. 

Most merciful Father, may it please thee to bless these 
thy servants, who labor to impart unto these dear children 
a true knowledge of thee and of the way of salvation through 
our Lord Jesus Christ. Enlighten them by thy Word and 
Spirit ; encourage and strengthen them in all their endeav- 
ors to serve thee, and make them instrumental in leading 
many of these precious young souls into thy kingdom of 
grace and happiness ; and help them at all times so to at- 
tend to the instructions and admonitions of their teachers, 
that they may have joy in them. And as they can never 
recompense them for their labors of love in their behalf, we 
beseech thee to follow them all the days of their lives with 
thy goodness, and to bring us and them to the enjoyment 
of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 195 

with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory forever 
and ever. Amen. 



Almighty and ever blessed God, at the close of this 
hour's instructions, we again present ourselves before thee 
to offer our humble prayer at thy throne. We come in the 
name of that Savior who graciously said, Suffer little chil- 
dren to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is 
the kingdom of heaven. We thank thee that we have been 
permitted, as teachers and pupils, to spend a happy hour 
together in singing thy praise and attending to the precious 
truths of thy Word. Teach us all to feel that by nature 
and practice we are sinners in a state of condemnation; that 
we must be converted and become new creatures in Christ 
Jesus, if we would enter into the kingdom of heaven. En- 
able us to examine our hearts and life, to learn whether we 
have experienced this great change. Assist us to inquire 
whether we are thy children indeed ; whether we love thee, 
our God and Savior, supremely, and our fellow-men as our- 
selves, and whether we make thy service the business of 
our life. Preserve us from the follies of youth and from the 
temptations of the world, and bring us together again to 
spend many happy Sabbath hours in thy service. Watch 
over us with thy kind providence in the house and by the 
way, and wheresoever we may be ; teach us to remember 
that thou art with us, beholding all we do. Bless our dear 
parents, and brothers, and sisters ; bless our pastor, and 
teachers, and schoolmates ; bless all mankind, and especially 
thy dear church, embracing all in every land who love the 
Lord Jesus Christ, in whose precious words we address 
thee. Amen. 



O Lord, whose tender mercies are over us at all times, 
we praise and adore thee. We desire ever to remember 



I96 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

that thou hast made us and that we are in thy hands. As 
thou hast again granted us the privileges of the Sabbath- 
school, we would express our thankfulness to thee. We 
thank thee for the holy truths of thy Word, on which our 
minds have been led to think. We rejoice in the declara- 
tion that " God so loved the world, that he gave his only- 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not 
perish, but have everlasting life." We thank thee that thy 
truth, which is made known to the world, is so plain that 
even little children may understand much of thy will. We 
thank thee, O our Savior, that when thou wast on earth as 
a man, thou didst show thy love to the young, and didst 
say, " Suffer little children to come unto me." Do thou 
kindly draw the precious young hearts of this school to 
know and fear thee. 

Holy and merciful God, follow with thy blessing the 
truth which has this day been presented to the minds of the 
classes in this school. May the labors and prayers of the 
teachers be acceptable to thee. Let the minds of all the pu- 
pils, even those of little children, retain the good lessons they 
have this day learned. May the blessed truths of thy holy 
religion ever interest and delight their hearts. May they 
never be among those persons who know thy will, but do it 

not. 

We pray that these children may all be converted to 
thee. May the angels in heaven rejoice over each soul 
when coming in penitence to its God. Turn thou the 
hearts of all from sin to thyself. May those hearts not be 
hardened with evil. Oh, may they be thine now in their 
tender years, and thine all their days upon the earth. May 
the highest hopes of their teachers concerning them be 
realized. 

We unite in sincere prayer for thy Spirit to lead us 
into all truth. Whatever is necessary for us to know, may 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 197 

he teach us. Whatever of thy will we have already learned y 
may he help every one to love and obey. Keep, O Lord, 
every member of this school from the paths of sin during 
the coming week. Do thou mercifully guard them from 
the power of the tempter, who would destroy them. Pre- 
serve them from the evils of sinful company, and from the 
examples of the wicked around them. Bless all the fam- 
ilies to which we belong. May much good be carried 
home to every house. We pray for thy blessing upon all 
our friends and the whole world. Oh, let the time soon 
come when all the poor heathen shall be blessed with the 
gospel. 

Guide and keep us through the week that is before us ; 
and, if it be thy will, may we meet again in this happy 
place when the Sabbath day returns. Help us to live a 
holy life here in this world, and make us fully prepared for 
the happiness and glory of heaven. Hear us in mercy, for 
the sake of Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 



Almighty God, our heavenly Father ! Thou hast 
again blessed us and made us partakers of thy Holy Word. 
Accept, we beseech thee, our hearty thanks for the great 
benefits and the inestimable blessings which we enjoy in 
knowing the Holy Scriptures from our youth, which are 
able to make us wise unto salvation. Sanctify our souls 
and enlightenen our understanding, O thou Spirit of the 
Lord, that the instruction which we have this day received 
may improve our souls, and make us wise, and happy. 
Preserve us, we pray thee, from all light-mindedness, and 
keep our hearts in thy fear, that the allurements of sin and 
of vice may not mislead nor harm us. Help us to spend 
the rest of this day in thy fear and love, that we may be 
strengthened and prepared to serve thee during the week 
on which we have entered. Enable us to live in the hope 



I98 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

of a glorious day of rest hereafter, of a Sabbath in heaven 
which shall never end, where we shall know thee more 
perfectly, worship thee in a more spiritual manner, and 
praise thee with purer affections. Grant that every holy 
day which we spend on earth may prepare us more and 
more to enter into thy kingdom of immortality and glory 
which thou hast promised unto us in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Heavenly Father, enable us, we beseech thee, to ren- 
der unto our parents due honor and obedience, affection 
and gratitude. Assist us to submit with pleasure to their 
friendly guidance, to be patient under reproof, to abhor 
falsehood, to discharge all our obligations with a dutiful 
heart, and never to cause them tears and grief by any 
perverseness. Be pleased, O God, to prolong their health 
and life, to uphold them by thy gracious providence, to 
make them happy in us and in all who belong to their 
family. Let thy goodness follow them continually here, 
and reward them with eternal happiness beyond the grave, 
through Jesus Christ thy dear Son our Lord. Amen. 



Thou, Lord, who art unspeakably great and merciful, 
we praise thee for thy goodness and glory. Help us to 
say from our hearts, Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he 
is good : for his mercy endureth forever. We again wor- 
ship thy holy name, after a season spent in learning thy 
will. May we receive grace to cast ourselves very humbly 
before thy footstool of mercy; and do thou notice and 
supply our wants. 

Do thou graciously help all the children of this school 
to remember the truth they have this day read and heard. 
Let the Holy Spirit make deep impressions upon every 
mind. Lead all to think of their sins against thee, and to 
look to the only hope which the Savior has made known. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 1 99 

Awaken in each young heart love to the Redeemer of 
perishing souls. Oh, may that Savior who gave his life for 
us all, receive the affections and the service of every one 
present. 

Keep these pupils from the wickedness of sin during 
the week, Help them to be wise with a heavenly wisdom, 
to shun evil and to follow good. Preserve them from bad 
company, and help them to delight in virtue and piety. 
Prepare their hearts for much happiness and usefulness in 
the divine service. While they enjoy the light oi thy holy 
religion, may they strive to do good to the poor, to the 
sick, the wicked, the ignorant and the benighted. 

May Sabbath-schools extend everywhere throughout 
our land and all lands. Cause their happy influence to be 
felt among all nations, and make them far more useful than 
they have ever been in bringing on the day when the whole 
world shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. 

Grant us, O Lord, the forgiveness of all our sins ; and 
when we separate to-day, dismiss us with thy blessing. 
Lead us in thy holy fear until our days on earth shall close, 
and then admit us to the perfect joys of heaven, through 
Jesus Christ our Savior. And to the Father, the Son and 
the Holy Spirit we will ascribe all the praise and the glory 
forever. Amen. 



Ever-gracious and adorable God, we again call upon 
thy nane. Another sacred hour of giving and receiving 
holy instruction is past ; and now we look to thee for thy 
blessing to follow. We thank thee for the privilege of 
praying unto thee, and that thy Holy Bible contains so 
many exceedingly great and precious promises to all who 
seek thee aright. 

Mercifully grant thy Spirit to every heart before thee, 



200 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

that the truth we have learned may do us great good. 
Take away the stony heart, and give a heart that can feel. 
Subdue the stubborn will, and bestow a will to agree with 
thine. Remove the love of sin from every soul, and awaken 
instead sincere love to thee and thy commandments. Be- 
stow thy blessing richly upon this Sabbath-school. Bless 
it in all its scholars and teachers, and in all its interests. 
May thy people ever love it and sustain it, and thy favor 
ever prosper it. Make it a means of much religious instruc- 
tion and a nursery of piety. May all the officers and 
teachers of this school have much grace in their hearts, 
and do thou help them to show a Christian example to their 
respective classes. Draw the minds and hearts ol all the 
pupils to thyself. Help them to obey the command, " Re- 
member now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." May 
none of the children of this school be unmindful of the 
lessons here received. May they never forget that we 
must all die, and that if we love not our Savior we cannot 
go to heaven. 

Kind and gracious God and Savior, draw the hearts of 
the children in love to their teachers and their minister. 
Incline them more than ever to obey their parents and to 
be kind to one another. May they love all their friends 
and all mankind. Do thou touch their hearts with pity for 
the many poor heathen people and children who have not 
the Bible, and who know nothing of the Savior or of heaven. 
Incline them to pray, to labor and to give of their money 
to the missionary cause. May all our hearts feel for the 
sick, the poor, the orphan, and those in every condition of 
misery and wretchedness, and to do all we can for their 
good. 

We confess before thee, O our heavenly Father, that 
we are sinful and unworthy. We have all sinned against 
thee more than we can tell. We feel that our hearts have 









FAMILY PRAYERS. 201 

been wicked in thy sight. We have had sinful tempers and 
passions ; we have spoken sinful words ; we have committed 
sinful deeds. But we know that if we are sorry for our sins 
and trust in the Savior, thou wilt forgive. We beseech thee 
in much mercy to take away our guilt. Help us to over- 
come every sin, and do thou make our hearts pure. May 
we no longer do the things we should not do, or leave un- 
done the things we should do. 

Dismiss us now, gracious God, with thy blessing. 
Grant us every mercy we need during the week. Prepare 
us for all the trials of life. Should it please thee to continue 
unto us life and health, bring us again safely together, that 
we may re-unite in the precious exercises of the Sabbath- 
school. And when these earthly meetings must at last 
cease, raise our souls to our heavenly home, where we shall 
be forever with the Lord, and where we shall be like him, 
because we shall see him as he is. We implore these and 
all needed blessings, not on account of any worthiness in 
in ourselves, but alone for the sake of Christ. Amen. 



202 THE LORD S PRAYER. 



MATTHIAS CLAUDIUS' EXPOSITION OF THE 
LORD'S PRAYER. 

The aboved named distinguished German Christian 
author has written a classical exposition of the Lord's 
Prayer, in a letter to his friend Andres, which we will try 
to translate, although it will be difficult to render many of 
his idiomatic German phrases into good English. This 
exposition contains, like a good prayer— -few words, but 
many and deep meanings : 

11 The Lord's Prayer is, once for all, the best prayer, 
for you know who composed it. But no man on God's 
earth, can so pray it, as he meant it; we mutilate it only from 
a distance, one of us more miserably than the other. But 
that will do no harm, dear Andres, if we only mean it right, 
{gut meinen) the dear God {Liebe Goti) must always do the 
best for us, and he knows how it ought to be. As you 
have requested it, I will tell you sincerely, how I use the 
Lord's prayer. But I think it is only very poorly done, 
and I would gladly let some one instruct me how to do it 
better. 

See now, when I want to pray, then I think first of my 
sainted father, who was so good and kind to me, and gave 
me so willingly what I needed. And then I imagine {stell 
mir vor) that the whole world is my Father's hou^e : and 
all the people in Europe, Asia, Africa and America, are, in 
my mind, my brothers and sisters ; and God sits in heaven 
on a golden throne, and stretches his right hand over the 
sea, to the end of the world, and his left hand is full of 
blessing and goodness, and the tops of the mountains 
round about are crowned with glory — then I begin : 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 203 

Our Father \ who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 

This, already, I do not yet fully understand. It is said 
that the Jews had some special mysteries about the names 
of God. I will let this pass (lasse gut sein,) and only wish 
that the idea (Andenken) of God, and every trace {Spur), by 
which we can know him, may be above all things great and 
holy to me and all mankind. 

Thy kingdom come. 

At this I think about myself, as things go hither and 
thither within me ; now this and now that controls, which 
causes all kinds of heart aches. And then I think, how 
good it would be for me, if God would make an end of all 
strife, and he himself would rule within me ! 

Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. 

Here I think of heaven, and the holy angels who joy- 
fully do his will ; whom no pain or sorrow afflicts, and who 
overflow with love and happiness, in which they rejoice, 
day and night. And then I think, O, if it were also thus 
on earth ! 

Give us this day our daily bread. 

Every one knows, what " daily bread " means, and 
that we must eat, as long as we are in the world, and that 
it also tastes good. Then I think about this. My children 
also come into my mind : how they enjoy their meals and 
eagerly reach out for their food. And then I pray, that the 
dear God {Liebe Gott) would give us something to eat. 

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who 
have trespassed against us. 

It hurts, when we are injured, and revenge is sweet. 
Thus it appears also to me, and I feel an inclination in that 
way. But then the wicked servant (Schalks knecht) in the 
gospel comes up before mine eyes, and my heart sinks, and 



204 THE LORD'S PRAYER. 



I resolve to forgive my fellow-servant, and never say a 
word about those hundred pennies. 

And lead us not into temptation. 

Here I think of all kinds of instances, where people 
under such and such circumstances departed from the good, 
and fell, and that this might also happen to me. 

But deliver us from evil. 

Here^I think of the temptations to which we are ex- 
posed, and that we are so easily led astray, and lured from 
the right way. But at the same time I also think of all the 
ills of life, of consumption and old age, trouble with chil- 
dren, gangrene, and delirium, and the thousand kinds of 
misery and heartaches in the world, which torment and 
distress the poor people, while none can help. And you 
will find, dear Andres, that if the tears have not come be- 
fore, they will certainly come now, and we long so heartily 
to be delivered, and feel so sad and cast down, as if there 
were no help at all. But then we must take courage again 
(sick Muth machen), stretch our hands toward heaven, and 
exclaim triumphantly, Thine is the kingdom, and the power, 
and the glory forever. A men! ' 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 205 



ANOTHER PARAPHRASE ON THE LORD'S 
PRAYER. 

Oar Father in heaven, we come to thee as children to 
a Father, able and ready to help us. 

We beseech thee, let thy name by sanctified ; enable 
us and others to glorify thee in all that whereby thou hast 
made thyself known, and dispose of all things to thine own 
glory. 

Let thy kingdom come; let Satan's kingdom be de- 
stroyed, and let the kingdom of thy grace be advanced; let 
us and others be brought into it, and kept in it, and let the 
kingdom of thy glory be hastened. 

Let thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven ; 
make us by thy grace able and willing to know, obey, and 
submit to thy will in all things, as the angels do in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread ; of thy free gift let us 
receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, 
and let us enjoy thy blessing with them. 

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 
We pray that for Christ's sake thou wouldst freely pardon 
all our sins, and that by thy grace thou wouldst enable us 
from the heart to forgive others. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil. Either keep us, O Lord, from being tempted to sin, 
or support and deliver us when we are tempted. 

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, 
forever. Lord we take our encouragement in prayer from 
thyself only, and desire in our prayers to praise thee, ascrib- 
ing kingdom, power, and glory to thee ; and in testimony 
of our desires and assurance to be heard through Jesus 
Christ, we say, Amen. — Shorter Catechism. 



206 THE LORD'S PRAYER. 



THE LORD'S PRAYER PARAPHRASED. 

The following beautiful paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer has been 
credited to a Frenchman — M. Pierre Bernard ; but in the Life of the 
Rev. William Marsh, D. D., so long known and so highly esteemed in 
England, it is stated that during a wakeful night Dr. Marsh compos d 
it, and that it was written down from his dictation the next morning. 
Comparing the two versions, the one ascribed to M. Benard is more 
full ; but it may be merely an amplification of that of Dr. Marsh. We 
give the following compilation from both, as a fitting conclusion to 
this Exposition of the Lord's prayer : — 
Our Father — 

By right of creation, 
By bountiful provision, 
By gracious adoption; 
Which art in heaven — 

The throne of thy glory, 
The home of thy children, 
The temple of thy angels ; 
Hallowed be thy name — 

By the thoughts of our hearts, 
By the words of our lips, 
By the works of our hands. 
Thy kingdom come — 

Of providence to defend us, 
Of grace to refine us, 
Of glory to crown us. 
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven — 
Towards us without resistance, 
By us without compulsion, 
Universally without exception, 
Eternally without declension. 
Give us this day our daily bread — 

Of necessity for our bodies, 
Of eternal life for our souls. 
And forgive us our trespasses — 

Against the commands of thy law, 
Against the grace of thy gospel ; 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 207 

As we forgive those that trespass against us — 

By defaming onr character, 

By embezzling our property, 

By abusing our person. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil — 

Of overwhelming afflictions, 

Of worldly enticements, 

Of Satan's devices, 

Of error's seductions, 

Of sinful affections. 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever — 

Thy kingdom governs all, 

Thy power subdues all, 

Thy glory is above all. 

Amen — 

As it is in thy purpose, 

So it is in thy promises ; 
So be it in our prayers, 
So it shall be to thy praise. 
By 'this prayer of our Lord — 

The Father bless, 

The Son adore, 

The Spirit praise, 

Forevermore. Amen and Amen. — Steel. 



208 A DISSERTATION ON PRAYER. 



A DISSERTATION ON PRAYER. 

BY MATTHEW HENRY. 

Prayer is a principal branch of religious worship, 
which we are moved to by the very light of nature, and 
obliged to, by some of its fundamental laws. Pythagoras* 
Golden Verses begin with this precept, " whatever men 
made a God of, they prayed to." " Deliver me, for thou 
art my God." Isa. xliv. 17. Nay, whatever they prayed 
to, they made a God of — Deos qui rogat, Me facit. It is a 
piece of respect and homage so exactly consonant to the 
natural ideas which all men have of God, that it is certain 
those that " live without prayer, live without God in the 
world." 

Prayer is the solemn and religious offering up of devout 
acknowledgments and desires to God, or a sincere repre- 
sentation of holy affections, with a design to give unto God 
the glory due unto his name thereby, and to obtain from 
him promised favors, and both through the Mediator. Our 
English word prayer is too strait, for that properly signifies 
petition or request ; whereas humble adorations of God, 
and thanksgivings to him, are as necessary in prayer, as 
any other part of it. The Greek word is a vow directed to 
God. The Latin word votum is used for prayer. Jorah's 
mariners with their sacrifices made vows ; for prayer is to 
move and oblige ourselves, not to move or oblige God. 
Clemens Alexandrinus calls prayer (with an excuse for the 
boldness of the expression) a " conversing with God." And 
it is the scope of a long discourse of his there, to show that 
the believer lives a life of communion with God, and so is 
praying always ; that he studies by his prayers continually 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 209 

to converse with God. Some (saith he) have their stated 
hours of prayer, but he " prays all his life long." The 
Scripture describes prayer to be our drawing near to God, 
lifting up our souls to him, pouring out our hearts before 
him. 

This is the life and soul of prayer ; but this soul in the 
present state must have a body, and that body must be such 
as becomes the soul, and is suited and adapted to it. Some 
words there must be, of the mind at least, in which, as in 
the smoke, this incense must ascend : not that God may 
understand us, for our thoughts afar off are known to him, 
but that we may the better understand ourselves. 

A golden thread of heart-prayer must run through the 
web of the whole Christian life ; we must be frequently 
addressing ourselves to God in short and sudden ejacula- 
tions, by which we must keep up our communion with him 
in providences and common actions, as well as in ordi- 
nances and religious services. Thus prayer must be spar- 
sim (a sprinkling of it) in every duty, and our eyes must be- 
ever towards the Lord. . 

In mental prayer thoughts are words, and they are the 
first born of the soul, which are to be consecrated to God. 
But if, when we pray alone, we see cause for the better 
fixing of our minds, and exciting of our devotions, to clothe 
our conceptions with words ; if the conceptions be the 
genuine products of the new nature, one would think words 
should not be far to seek. Verbaque prcevisam rem non 
invita sequuntur. Nay, if the groanings be such as cannot 
be uttered, he that searcheth the heart knows them to be 
the mind of the Spirit, and will accept of them, Rom. viii^ 
26, 27, and answer the voice of our breathing. Lam. iii. 56. 
Yet through the infirmity of the flesh, and the aptness of 
our hearts to wander and trifle, it is often necessary that 



2IO A DISSERTATION ON PRAYER. 

words should go first, and be kept in mind for the directing 
and exciting of devout actions, and in order thereunto, the 
assistance here offered I hope will be of some use. 

When we join with others in prayer, who are our 
mouth to God, our minds must attend them, by an intelli- 
gent believing concurrence with that which is the sense, and 
scope, and substance of what they say, and affections work- 
ing in us suitable thereunto ; and this the Scripture directs 
us to signify, by saying Amen, mentally if not vocally, " at 
their giving of thanks.' V I Cor. xiv. 16. And as far as our 
joining with them will permit, we may intermix pious ejacu- 
lations of our own with their addresses, provided they be 
pertinent, that not the least fragment of praying time may 
be lost. 

But he that is the mouth of others in prayer, whether 
in public or private, and therein useth that freedom of 
speech, that holy liberty of prayer which is allowed us, (and 
which we are sure many good Christians have found by 
experience to be very comfortable and advantageous in this 
duty,) ought not only to consult the workings of his own 
heart, but the edification also of those that join with him ; 
and both in matter and words should have an eye to that ; 
and for service in that case I principally design this en- 
deavor. 

It is desirable that our prayers should be copious and 
full. Our burdens, cares, and wants are many, so are bur 
sins and mercies. The promises are numerous and very 
rich ; our God gives liberally, and hath bid us open our 
mouths wide, and he will fill them, will satisfy them with 
good things. We are not straitened in him, why then 
should we be stinted and straitened in our own bosoms ! 
Christ had taught his disciples the Lord's prayer, and yet 
tells them, John xvi. 24, that hitherto they had asked noth- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 211 

ing, i. e. nothing in comparison with what they should ask 
when the Spirit should be poured out, to abide with the 
church forever ; and they should see greater things than 
these. "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be 
full." We are encouraged to be particular in prayer, and 
in everything to make our requests known to God, as we 
ought also to be particular in the adoration of the divine 
perfections, in the confession of our sins, and our thankful 
acknowledgments of God's mercies. 

But since, at the same time, we cannot go over 
the tenth part of the particulars which are fit to be the mat- 
ter of prayer, without making the duty burdensome to the 
flesh, which is weak, even where the spirit is willing (an 
extreme which ought carefully to be avoided), and without 
danger of intrenching upon other religious exercises, it will 
be requisite that what is but briefly touched upon at one 
time, should be enlarged upon at another time. And 
herein this storehouse of materials for prayer may be of 
use to put us in remembrance of our several errands at the 
throne of grace, that none may be quite forgotten. 

And it is requisite to the decent performance of the 
duty, that some proper method be observed, not only that 
what is said to be good, but that it be said in its proper 
place and time ; and that we offer not anything to the 
glorious Majesty of heaven and earth, which is confused, 
impertinent, and indigested. Care must be taken then more 
than ever, that we be not " rash with our mouth, nor hasty 
to utter anything before God," that we say not what comes 
uppermost, nor use such repetitions as evidence not the 
fervency, but the barrenness and slightness of our spirits ; 
but that the matters we are dealing with God about being 
of such vast importance, we observe a decorum in our 
words, that they be well chosen, well weighed, and well 
placed. 



212 A DISSERTATION ON PRAYER. 

And as it is good to be methodical in prayer so it is 
good to be sententious. The Lord's prayer is remarkably 
so ; and David's psalms, and many of Paul's prayers, which 
we have in his epistles. We must consider that the great- 
est part of those that join with us in prayer, will be in dan- 
ger of losing or mistaking the sense, if the period be long, 
and the parentheses many ; and in this as in other things, 
they that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the 
weak. Jacob must lead as the children and flock can fol- 
low. 

As to the words and expression we use in prayer, 
though I have here, in my enlargments upon the several 
heads of prayer, confined myself almost wholly to scripture 
language, because I would give an instance of the suffi- 
ciency of the scripture to furnish us for every good work, 
yet I am far from thinking but that it is convenient and 
often necessary to use other expressions in prayer, besides 
those that are purely scriptural ; only I would advise that 
the sacred dialect be most used, and made familiar to us and 
others in our dealing about sacred things ; that language 
Christian people are most accustomed to, most affected with 
and will most readily agree to ; and where the scriptures 
are opened and explained to the people in the ministry of 
the word, scripture language will be most intelligible, and 
the sense of it best apprehended. This is " sound speech 
that cannot be condemned," and those that are able to do 
it, may do well to enlarge by way of descant or paraphrase 
upon the scriptures they make use of; still speaking 
according to that rule, and comparing spiritual things with 
spiritual, that they may illustrate each other. 

It is not to be reckoned a preventing of scripture, but 
is agreeable to the usage of many divines, especially the 
Fathers, and I think is warranted by divers quotations in 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 213 

the New Testament out of the Old, to allude to a scripture 
phrase, and to make use of it by way of accommodation 
to another sense than what was the first intendment of it, 
provided it agree with the analogy of faith. As for instance 
those words, Psa. lxxxvi. 7, " All my springs are in thee/' 
may very fitly be applied to God, though there it appears, 
by the feminine article in the original, to be meant of Sion, 
nor has it ever been thought any wrong to the scripture 
phrase, to pray for the blessings of " the upper springs," 
though the expression from whence it is borrowed, Judges 
i. 15, hath no reference at all to what we mean; but by 
common use every one knows the signification, and many 
are pleased with the signification of it. 

Perhaps those who covet earnestly this excellent gift, 
and covet to excel in it, may find it of use to them to have 
such a book as this interleaved, in which to insert such 
other heads and expressions as they think will be most 
agreeable to them, and are wanting here. Though I have 
here recommended a good method for prayer, and that 
which has been generally approved, yet I am far from 
thinking we should always tie ourselves to it ; that may be 
varied as well as the expression. Thanksgivings may very 
aptly be put sometimes before confession or petition, or our 
intercessions for others before our petitions for ourselves, 
as in the Lord's prayer. Sometimes one of these parts of 
prayer may be enlarged upon much more than another ; or 
they may be decently interwoven in some other method. 

There are those, I doubt not who, at sometimes, have 
their hearts so wonderfully elevated and enlarged in prayer, 
above themselves ; at other times, such a fixedness and 
fulness of thought, such a fervour of pious and devout affect- 
ions, the product of which is such a fluency and variety of 
pertinent and moving expressions, and in such a just and 



214 A DISSERTATION ON PRAYER. 

natural method, that then to have an eye to such a scheme 
as this, would be a hindrance to them, and would be likely 
to cramp and straiten them. If the heart be full of its good 
matter, it may make " the tongue as the pen of a ready 
writer." But this is a case that rarely happens, and ordi- 
narily there is need of proposing to ourselves a certain 
method in prayer, that the service may be performed de- 
cently and in order ; in which yet one would avoid that 
which looks too formal. A man may write straight with- 
out having his paper ruled. 

But after all, the intention and close application of the 
mind, the lively exercises of faith and love, and the out- 
goings of holy desire towards God, are so essentially neces- 
sary to prayer, that without these in sincerity, the best and 
most proper language is but a lifeless image. If we 
had the tongue of men and angels, and have not the heart 
of humble serious Christians in prayer, we are but as a 
sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. It is only the 
" effectual fervent prayer," the " in-wrought, in-laid " prayer 
that " avails much." Thus therefore we ought to approve 
ourselves to God in the integrity of our hearts, whether we 
pray by, or without a precomposed form. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 215 

THE LIMITATIONS OF PRAYER. 

" Ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you," is 
the gracious assurance of Christ. Does it mean that, in the 
most absolute sense, we may ask whatever may come into 
the heart, and expect that it will be given ? The interpre- 
tation sometimes put upon the promise would lead us to 
this conclusion, but is that the meaning of Christ ? It can- 
not be. The promise is limited to the sphere of prayer. 
That sphere is large enough to embrace all that is needful 
for human happiness and salvation, and the promise is am- 
ple for all legitimate need, but if we seek to enlarge it, we 
will not only be disappointed, but we will find the very 
spirit of prayer failing, and the blessings within our reach 
fleeing from us. 

Prayer is limited to the sphere of holiness. An unholy 
desire cannot be borne to the mercy seat to be presented 
by the great Intercessor. It is possible for worldly desires 
to become so mingled with our better aspirations that we 
do not detect them, but God does, and he withholds the 
object we seek, or gives it in judgment. He is enthroned 
in right. 

Prayer is limited by the bounds of God's promises to 
us. There are certain things which he has not promised. 
It is legitimate to pray for life, but he has not promised that 
we will never die, and therefore we may not ask it. He 
has promised us his protection, but not in the violation of 
his laws. " Cast thyself down," said the tempter to Christ, 
and appealed to the promise of angelic protection, but the 
answer was that the promise was not made for such an act : 
11 It is written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." 
It may be necessary sometimes in the performance of duty 
to expose ourselves to danger, but to do so needlessly and 
expect the protection of God is to tempt him. The bound- 



2l6 THE LIMITATIONS OF PRAYER. 

ary of the promise may not always be clear to us, but 
there is a boundary, and in our prayer we should recognize 
the fact, and offer our petition in that spirit. 

The spirit in which prayer is offered may place the 
petitions beyond the range of acceptance. " Ye ask and 
receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it 
upon your lusts." One may ask for the highest gifts prom- 
ised, and at the same time bar the door against his petition 
by the spirit in which he asks, and the object for which he 
seeks. In the holiest part of our service, we may so mingle 
the earthly and sinful that the heavenly will be withheld. 

And there is always present the limitation of God's 
infinitely wise and holy purpose. The interpretation some- 
times placed upon prayer changes its character and con- 
verts it into imperative command. We sometimes hear 
what is equivalent to saying that God is bound to give what 
we ask. God does always hear the prayer of faith, but he 
does not always grant the petition offered, even when offered 
in the most reverent and devout faith, for the reason that 
he is supreme and his purpose must stand. Prayer recog- 
nizes this ; it belongs to the very nature of prayer to seek 
that which may be graciously given, and therefore also 
may be as graciously withheld. God's thoughts are higher 
than our thoughts, and his ways higher than our ways, and 
because of this he may not give us what we seek. Paul 
prayed and was heard, but his prayer could not command 
relief from his suffering, for there were wise purposes to be 
accomplished through his suffering. Christ in the garden 
prayed, and was heard in that he feared, but the cup was 
not taken away, for in his drinking that cup lay the fulfill- 
ment of God's mercy to men. The higher desire of the 
heart for holiness and for the best service may preclude the 
granting of the lower desire in the relief from suffering or 
the possession of some good. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 217 



THE PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE. 

Many of the prayers of the Bible are wonderful in the 
boldness with which the petitioners approach God, and the 
confidence with which they expect an answer. As we read 
we are amazed and hesitate to follow, and yet they are in- 
spired and approved examples for us. They show that the 
words of our Lord, " Ask what ye will," are to be taken in 
their fullest meaning. Not simply for the supply of our 
wants may we ask, but for the fulfillment of the highest de- 
sires of the soul and the gift of what we can neither compre- 
hend nor define, but for which the renewed soul longs — 
the fullness of spiritual life. Not simply according to our 
asking, but far more exceedingly above all that we can ask 
or think does God give. Not by our need are we limited, 
but only by the riches of God's grace and his power to en- 
large our capacities and to fill them with himself. Thus the 
apostle prays the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 
that his Ephesian brethren may be filled " with all the full- 
ness of God." 

These prayers show us, also, with what boldness we 
may come to the throne of grace. David, penitent, prostrate 
and trembling, cries to God for mercy ; but he rises, as he 
prays to the full confidence of one who knows his Father's 
love. Moses enters the cloud and talks with God " face to 
face, as a man with his friend." Paul prays as one who has 
been in the " third heavens." Nor is there in this aught of 
irreverence or presumption. With all humility in their 
boldness the petitioners stand before God in their sonship, 
and know they do not intrude upon a forbidden presence. 

They do so with assurance that they will be heard. 



218 



PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE. 



They ask great things, but they know that they ask of a 
great God who has illimitable riches for his people. They 
come as accepted in the Beloved, and confidently plead his 
merits and his promises. 

It is also to be observed, that at their highest point 
these prayers all meet in a common desire to know and en- 
joy God. For this David thirsted. It was the one supreme 
desire of Paul's heart. When Moses stood before the Lord 
in the mountain, perplexed as to duty, oppressed with a 
sense of human sinfulness and of divine justice, his prayer 
was : " Show me thy way and let me know thee ; Show me 
thy glory." Here all prayers ultimately meet, for this is 
the tendency of the renewed nature ; by this we are con- 
formed to the divine image, and in this alone are we satis- 
fied. 



THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

The most remarkable prayer is The Lord's Prayer. 
No prayer is so often repeated as this. It should not be 
repeated mechanically, without serious impressions as to 
the meaning of the words. Thus repeated it is only a lip 
service, and not a heartfelt prayer. Such a prayer cannot 
be acceptable to God, nor answered at the Throne of Grace. 

"And it came to pass that as he was praying in a certain 
place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, 
Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 
And he said unto them, 

After this manner, therefore pray ye." Matt. vi. 9. 

OUR FATHER, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as 
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and 
forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have 
trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 219 

The Lord's Prayer is divided into I. The Introduction, 
2. Seven Petitions, and 3. The Conclusion, or Doxology. 

Introduction. Our Father, who art in heaven. 

First Petition. Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Second Petition. Thy Kingdom come, 

Third Petition. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in 
heaven, 

Fourth Petition. Give us this day our daily bread, 

Fifth Petition. And forgive us our trespasses as we 
forgive those who have trespassed against us. 

Sixth Petition. And lead us not into temptation. 

Seventh Petition. But deliver us from evil. 

Conclusion. For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, 
and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen. 

The Savior then adds these words, For if ye forgive 
men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also for- 
give you ; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither 
will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt. vi. 14, 15. 



CHRIST'S PRAYER ON THE NIGHT IN WHICH 
HE WAS BETRAYED. 

Father, the hour is come ; glorify thy Son, that thy 
Son may also glorify thee : As thou hast given him power 
over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as 
thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they 
might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ 
whom thou hast sent. 

I have glorified thee on the earth, I have finished the 
work which thou hast given me to do. And now, O 
Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory 
which I had with thee before the world was. I have mani- 
fested thy name unto the men, which thou gavest me out 



220 



PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE. 



of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; 
and they have kept thy word. Now they have known 
that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest 
me ; and they have received them, and have known surely, 
that I have come out from thee, and they have believed that 
thou hast sent me. I pray for them ; I pray not for the 
world, but for them which thou hast given me ; for they 
are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine ; 
and I am glorified in them. 

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in 
the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through 
thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they 
may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the 
world, I kept them in thy name ; those that thou gavest 
me I have kept, and none of them is lost but the son of per- 
dition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled. And now 
come I to thee ; and these things I speak in the world, that 
they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves, I have given 
them thy word ; and the world hath hated them, because 
they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I 
pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, 
but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They 
are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanc- 
tify them through thy truth ; thyword is truth. 

Neither pray I for them alone, but for them also, which 
shall believe on me through their word. That they all may 
be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they 
also may be one in us ; that the world may believe that 
thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me 
I have given them ; that they may be one, even as we are 
one ; I in thee, and thou in me, that they may be made 
perfect in one ; and that the world may know, that thou 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



221 



hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given 
me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my 
glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before 
the foundation of the world. Oh righteous Father, the 
world hath not known thee ; but I have known thee, and 
these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have 
declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the 
love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them and I 
in thee. 



V 



=^00 = 



222 



REMARKABLE PRARERS. 



REMARKABLE PRAYERS. 



LUTHER'S PRAYER AT THE DIET OF WORMS. 



Before Luther went to the Diet he offered up the fol- 
lowing prayer, which was overheard and recorded by his 
friends, and it is a touching and sublime prayer. We trans- 
late this prayer as literally as possible from the original 
German. 

" Oh God! oh God ! oh thou my God, do thou stand 
by me against the reason and wisdom of the whole world, 
do thou do it ! Thou must stand by me, and thou alone ! 
This is not my work, but thine. I have nothing to do 
here, before these great lords of the world on my own ac- 
count. I would gladly pass my days in rest and peace, and 
be unmolested. But the cause is thine, O Lord ! and it is a 
righteous and everlasting cause. But do thou support me, 
O thou faithful and eternal God. I depend on no human 
aid. Hast not thou called me to this work, and I am cer- 
tain of it ! Yes, this is thy will. This is not my doing, I 
never thought of myself to oppose such great lords. So 
do thou support me for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus 
Christ, who shall be my protector, my defence, and my 
strong tower, through the power, and strength of the Holy 
Ghost ! Lord where remainest thou ? Thou my God, 
where art thou ? Come, oh come, I am ready to lay down 
my life with the patience of a lamb, for this is a righteous 
cause, and it is thy cause. I will never be separated from 
thee. This I have resolved upon in thy name ; the world 
shall never force my conscience, and if it were full of devils 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 223 

— and if this body which is the work of thine hands, should 
be trodden down upon the earth, and be cut to pieces ; for 
I have thine own word and Spirit for this. Not only the 
body, but the soul is thine, and will be thine forever. 
Amen. God help me. Amen/' 






A PRAYER OF S. S. SCHMUCKER WHILE UNDER 
CONVICTION. 

While Principal of the York County Academy in 1816, 
and in the 17th year of his age, he wrote the following 
penetential prayer in his diary : 

Nov. 6. O Lord God, I am a sinner, and the iniquity of 
my ways will bring me to eternal ruin, if thy saving hand be 
not exerted in my favor. Though I am guilty of no crime 
against the world, or to my knowledge any individual, my 
heart is yet prone to evil and my ways are far from God. 
There was a time, O Lord, when I was much nearer to 
thee, than at present I am. Thou hast promised that 
" Whatsoever we ask of thee in the name of thy Son Jesus 
Christ shall be granted, that the Father may be glorified. ,, 
Now Lord, I beseech thee, to change my heart, and give 
me a new and purified spirit ! O Lord, numbers are rush- 
ing with me the road to perdition. Stretch forth thine 
all powerful hand, and arrest us in our mad carreer. We 
are seated in the chariot of iniquity, and are driving head- 
long to the gulf of destruction. Many times hast thou 
called us, but we heeded not thine admonitions ; nothing 
but thy divine interposition, O Lord, will save us ! 

Nov, 19. O Lord, blessed be thy holy name, that thou 
hast preserved us to this day; that thou has prolonged the 
duration of our existence until the present moment. How 
many have during the last night been transposed from time 



224 REMARKABLE PRAYERS. 

to eternity ! For how many was the race run and the thread 
of life cut off? We, Lord, are yet spared ; and to thine 
unmerited kindness and forbearance are we indebted for it ! 
We have erred and gone astray ; we have sinned against 
thee ; " there is not one that doeth good, no not one." 
We are going the way of the iniquitous, and the path of the 
Lord we know not. Soon will the earthly race be run, and 
we go to another world, to receive the reward of our labor. 
O God, our works have been of the flesh, and from the 
flesh we would inherit eternal damnation. But thou hast 
promised, that thou wilt hear the penitent, and the death of 
the sinner thou wilt not. In thy promise alone do we re- 
pose the hope of our salvation, — in the promise of HIM, 
who died for man, that he might never die ! O that we 
might see the folly of our ways and fly to thee for assistance ! 
But our nature is corrupted and we are prone to sin. But 
do thou, Lord, pardon our manifold transgressions; and as 
men will not obey thy commands, but are full of sin, do 
thou rule us with a rod of iron, and put a bit into our 
mouths, which will certainly bring us to reason. Yet, O 
Lord, thy punishments are severe, I feel the hand of the 
Lord upon me ; I am sorely afflicted and ready to bend 
down under the load of affliction. " My soul is exceedingly 
sorrowful, even unto death." " O Lord, wilt thou not 
deliver me ? " 

Nov, 20. On the morning of this day, O merciful Crea- 
tor, how should I glorify thy name, that thou hast spared me 
until this day. My life has been an uninterrupted scene of 
ungodliness, and my heart knows not God. With guilt upon 
my head, contrition of my heart, Oh how could I have met 
and stood before my Judge, had I died during the last 
night. Thou, O Lord, hast spared my life, and on the 
morning of this day hast condescended to assuage in some 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 225 

degree, the misery of my condition, and given another day 
for the salvation of my soul. Lord, blessed be thy name, 
for the unmerited blessings which thou hast been pleased 
to bestow upon me. Grant that it may not arise in evi- 
dence against me on the great and awful day of Judgment. 
That I may apply it to the working out of the salvation of 
my soul, and the abstraction of my mind from the idleness 
of this world. Lord, I desire to be saved ; my soul longs 
to be wrested from the flames in which it is now consuming. 
But I am weak and miserable, for the grace of God is not 
upon me. Within these five years, to the best of my recol- 
lection, thou Lord knowest, I have made about ioo attempts 
and commencements at conversion, but the work was 
always prevented by my own evil doings. I did not permit 
God to direct me, but was always determined to go accord- 
ing to my own head. Lord, now I am convinced of my 
own inability, and come entirely to thee. Do thou direct 
me ; be thou my leader, and form my heart, such as thou 
wilt have it should be. Thy blessed word teaches us, that 
salvation of souls is not the work of man ; nay, if all the 
angels in heaven united their strength, it would not be 
sufficient for the salvation of one soul ! Man is mortal ; 
angels approach the divine nature to an amazing degree, 
and are therefore far greater than man ; but angels are 
incompetent to the salvation of a soul ; how can man, who 
is so far inferior to angels, do anything towards the accom- 
plishment of this divine purpose! O Lord, therefore I will 
submit solely to thy direction, and trust in thy promise, 
that thou wilt convert me, and conduct all things in such a 
manner, as finally to end in my salvation. Amen. 



226 



REMARKABLE PRAYERS. 



A BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE PRAYER. 



Would that every marriage might be marked with the 
lofty purpose and serious earnestness that characterized the 
union of William Cullen Bryant and Fanny Fairchild. 
After Mr. Bryant's death this recorded prayer, relating to 
his marriage was found in his private papers : 

" May God Almighty mercifully take care of our happi- 
ness here and hereafter. May we ever continue constant 
to each other, and mindful of our mutual promises of attach- 
ment and truth. In due time, if it be the will of Providence, 
may we become more nearly connected with each other, 
and together may we lead a long, happy and innocent life, 
without any diminution of affection until we die. May 
there never be any jealousy, distrust, coldness, or dissatis- 
faction between us, nor occasion for any — nothing but kind- 
ness, forbearance, mutual confidence, and attention to each 
other's happiness. And that we may be less unworthy of 
so great a blessing, may we be assisted to cultivate all the 
benign and charitable affections and offices, not only toward 
each other, but toward our neighbors, the human race, and 
all the creatures of God. And in all things wherein we 
have done ill, may we properly repent of our error, and may 
God forgive us, and dispose us to do better. When at last 
we are called to render back the life we have received, may 
our deaths be peaceful and may God take us to his bosom. 
All which may he grant for the sake of the Messiah." 

Husband and wife walked together for forty five years, 
and their way became more and more beautiful as the days 
and months and years went by. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 227 

PRAYER AT THE THIRD CENTURIAL JUBILEE 
OF THE REFORMATION, OCT. 31 ST, 18 17. 

BY REV. F. C. SCHAEFFER, D. D. 

Thee, the Eternal and Exalted — thee, the only true 
God we adore ! — Unto thee, the almighty, all-wise and all- 
gracious God and Father, we give thanks, that thou hadst 
tender pity upon thy church ; that through chosen instru- 
ments thou didst restore, and hast hitherto preserved the 
truths of thy gospel. We beseech thee, guide us by thy 
Spirit, that the present solemn occasion may be sanctified 
unto us — that we may continually confide in thy truth, 
willingly follow after the light of thy gospel — prove the 
fruits of our faith with an holy conversation, and, finally, 
depart hence in peace, through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our 
Lord and Savior. 

Yea, great things hast thou done, O gracious God and 
Father, for thy people ! Thou hast made thy wonderful 
works to be remembered ; they shall never be forgotten. 
By thy omnipotence thou didst deliver our ancestors from 
the power of darkness ; thou didst bless them with the 
knowledge of truth, and didst translate them into the king- 
dom of thy dear Son ; in whom we have redemption 
through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Unto this 
day hast thou preserved these benefits to thy church, 
and therewith hast thou also favored us, whereof we are 
glad and rejoice before thee. Oh Lord, preserve unto us 
thy word, for it is unto us the joy and rejoicing of our 
hearts. Preserve this rich treasure unto us, and to all who 
may succeed us. When centuries after centuries have 
descended into the depths of time, may thy people ever be 
enabled to rejoice, and to declare in truth on days similar 
to the one which now exhilarates our hearts : Thy word, O 



228 REMARKABLE PRAYERS. 

Lord, thy saving gospel is pure and undefiled amongst us 
until this day. We beseech thee, Father, let the light of 
thy gospel illuminate the world more and more, and shed 
its rays over all the nations of the earth. Do thou assist 
thy messengers and servants, who proclaim thy name, and 
preach thy holy religion, that they, and those who hear 
them, may glorify thee, and be saved through faith in Jesus 
Christ, and him crucified. Grant us thy grace, that we 
may faithfully cleave unto thy gospel, walk worthy of the 
same, and at last die in its comforts, cheerful and happy, 
through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, — thenfwill we in a 
better world join with all the company of heaven, in the 
song of praise and of thy divine glory. 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and 
earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord 
most high. 

O holy God, the Creator ! 

O holy God, the Mediator ! 

O holy God, the Merciful Comforter! 

Thou Eternal and Exalted God ! 

Evermore grant us thy peace. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 229 

PRAYER AT A TEMPERANCE MEETING. 

O Lord, God, thou holy, just and righteous Jehovah, 
we come before thee to implore thy blessing upon the 
object of our assembly. Thou abhorest iniquity and crime 
in all their forms, and thou art merciful and compassionate 
to all the suffering and oppressed sons and daughters of 
mankind. We pray thee, look in pity on the families, the 
wives, and children, and relatives of the thousands of drunk- 
ards in our land; send them relief in their distress and help 
from on high. 

Have mercy on the poor drunkard ; enable him to see 
and realize his great guilt and danger, and that unless he 
shall repent and reform he must inevitably perish, both in 
body and in soul ; for thy word assures us, that no drunk- 
ard shall enter into the kingdom of God. May he therefore 
repent of his sin, and in reliance on thy divine help, " Look 
not upon the intoxicating wine," much less taste or drink 
it, for in the end it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like 
an adder. 

O Lord, we deplore the prevalence of intemperance in 
every part of the world, and especially do we lament its 
dessolating effect in our own beloved country. While we 
boast of our civil and religious liberty, yet, O how many 
thousands are slaves to a dreadful appetite, which involves 
them in sin and shame, and their families in poverty and 
misery. 

We deplore the fact that our own government is the 
chief partner in this iniquitous traffic, by legalizing the 
manufacture and sale of intoxicants, and licensing the evil 
for the sake of money, and thus drawing its revenues from 
the crimes, poverty and misery of its own citizens. 

We pray that the eyes of the people of this nation may 
be opened, and their consciences awakened, and that they 



230 REMARKABLE PRAYERS. 

may be induced to abstain entirely from the use of intoxi- 
cants as a beverage. Especially may the young and rising 
generation, the hope of the church and the country, grow 
up in the love and practice of temperance, and total absti- 
nence from strong drink. 

We pray that the conscience of the dealers in strong 
drink may be awakened to see their awful guilt before God, 
their Maker and their final Judge, who has declared a woe 
upon him that putteth his bottle to his neighbor and maketh 
him drunk. May they see themselves in the light that God 
sees them, and abandon that business which brings so 
much crime, poverty and misery upon mankind. 

We pray for our rulers and legislators, who make 
the laws under which this evil traffic is licensed and carried 
on. May they realize that they have been elected to make 
laws for the good of the people, and not for their corruption 
and demoralization. May they be mindful of the truth that 
there is a higher Lawgiver above them, who will hold them 
responsible for their actions at his judgement bar. 

And we pray, that the people who by their votes elect 
the legislators, may be careful and conscientious, not to elect 
such men to make our laws, as are influenced by selfish 
motives and personal gain, but such as are patriotic and 
God fearing men, who have the fear of God in their hearts, 
and who will enact such laws as will promote morality and 
prosperity, and shield the people from temptation and ruin. 

May we also have such officers appointed, who will 
faithfully enforce the laws that are enacted for the good of 
society, and who will not connive at existing evils, or take 
bribes to shield the guilty. 

We pray that the governments of the world, and 
especially our own government may see the enormous evil 
of sending great shiploads of strong drink to heathen lands ; 
which tends so greatly to debauch still more the poor 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 23 I 

benighted heathen, and thus hinder the progress of Chris- 
tianity and civilization in those dark places of the earth, 
where the church is sending Bibles and missionaries to 
bring them the light of the gospel. 

O Lord God, how long shall this dreadful traffic con- 
tinue ? O do thou exert thine almighty power to stay the 
prevalence of wickedness of every kind. Let Satan's king- 
dom be destroyed, the kingdom of grace advanced, and the 
kingdom of glory hastened ; in the name of Jesus Christ- 
Amen. 

A REMARKABLE OLD PRAYER. 
Here is a prayer, " set forth by order of King Edward 
the Sixth," of England, about the year 1550, more than two 
hundred and fifty years ago. Yet it suits our times very 
well now by a little change in the wording. For example, 
substitute for " them that possess the pasters and grounds 
of the earth," the words " all employers of labor," and this 
prayer will fit the times we live in, in America : 

" We heartily pray thee to send thy Holy Spirit into the 
hearts of them that possess the pasters and grounds of the 
earth, that they, remembering themselves to be thy tenants, 
may not rack or stretch out the rents of their houses or 
lands, nor yet take unreasonable fines or moneys, after the 
manner of covetous worldlings; but so let them out that the 
inhabitants thereof may be able to pay the rents, and to live 
and nourish their families, grace, also, to consider that they 
are but strangers and pilgrims in this world, having here 
no dwelling place, but seeking one to come; that they, 
remembering the short continuance of this life, may be con- 
tent with that which is sufficient, and not join house to 
house and land to land to the impoverishment of others ; 
but so behave themselves in letting their tenements, lands 
and pasters that, after this life, they may be received into 
everlasting habitations." 



232 FAMILY PRAYERS. 

GRACE AT TABLE. 
The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord ; Thou givest 
them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand 
and satisfiest the desires of every living thing. 



O Lord God, our Heavenly Father, bless this food to 
our nourishment, and may it strengthen us in the doing of 
thy holy will, through Christ our Savior. Amen. 



Our Father who art in heaven, bless the provisions of 
thy bounty now set before us, and feed our souls with the 
bread of life, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



GRACE AFTER MEALS. 
We thank thee, Heavenly Father, that thou hast again 
supplied our bodily wants. Continue to supply all our 
wants, both of body and soul. We ask it for Christ's sake. 
Amen. 

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with bene- 
fits. Ps. lx. 19. 

O give thanks unto the Lord, for his mercy endureth 
forever. Amen. 

CHILD'S MORNING PRAYERS. 
Now I am wakened out of sleep, 
I pray thee. Lord, my soul to keep, 
If I should die before the eve, 
I pray thee, Lord, my soul receive, 
That I may with my Savior live. Amen. 



Now I wake and see the light, 

'Tis God has kept me through the night, 

To him I lift my hands and pray, 

That he would keep me through this day, 

And if I die before 'tis done, 

Great God, accept me, through thy Son. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 233 

Every day will I bless thee ; I will praise thy name 
forever and ever. Ps. cxlv. 2. 

I laid me down and slept ; I awaked, for the Lord sus- 
tained me. Ps. ii. 5. Amen. 



Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest, 
in the heavens. Ps. cxxiii. 1. Amen. 



CHILD'S EVENING PRAYERS. 

Now I lay me down to sleep, 

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep ; 

If I should die before I wake, 

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to take, 

And this I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen* 



Forgive, O Lord, for thy dear Son, 
The ill that I this day have done ; 
That with the world, myself and thee, 
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. Amen. 

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me, 

Bless thy little child to-night, 
Through the darkness be thou near me, 

Keep me safe till morning light. 

All this day thy hand has led me, 
And I thank thee for thy care ; 

Thou hast warmed me, clothed me, fed me, 
Listen to my evening prayer. 

May my sins be all forgiven, 
Bless the friends I love so well, 

Take me, Lord, at last to heaven, 
Happy there with thee to dwell. Amen. 



234 HYMNS. 

HYMNS. 



MORNING HYMNS. 
Another six days' work is done, L. M. 

Another Sabbath is begnn : 
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest, 
Improve the day thy God has blest. 

Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns 

So sweet a rest to wearied minds ; 

Provides an antepast of heav'n, 

And gives this day the food of sev'n. 

O that our thoughts and thanks may rise 

As grateful incense to the skies ; 

And draw from heaven that sweet repose 

Which none, but he who feels it, knows. 



What a friend we have in Jesus, 

All our sins and griefs to bear ; 
What a privilege to carry 

Everything to God in prayer. 
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 

Oh, what needless pain we bear — 
All because we do not carry 

Everything to God in prayer. 
Have we trials and temptations ? 

Is there trouble anywhere ? 
We should never be discouraged, 

Take it to the Lord in prayer. 
Can we find a Friend so faithful, 

Who will all our sorrows share ? 
Jesus knows our every weakness, 

Take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Awake, my soul, and with the sun L. M. 

Thy daily stage of duty run ; 

Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise 

To pay thy morning sacrifice. 

By influence of the light divine, 

Let thy own light to others shine ; 

Reflect all heaven's propitious rays 

In ardent love and cheerful praise. 



HYMNS. 235 

Lord ! I my vows to thee renew : 
Disperse my sins as morning dew ; 
Guard my first springs of thought and will, 
And with thyself my spirit fill. 

Rock of ages ! cleft for me, 7s. 

Let me hide myself in thee ! 

Let the Water and the Blood, 

From thy riven side that flowed, 

Be of sin the double cure ; 

Save me, Lord, and make me pure. 

Nothing in my hand I bring, 

Simply to thy cross I cling ; 

Naked, come to thee for dress"; 

Helpless, look to thee for grace ; 

Foul, I to the Fountain fly ; 

Wash me, Savior, or I die ! 



There is a fountain filled with blood C. M. 

Drawn from Immanuel's veins ; 
And sinners plunged beneath that flood 

Lose all their guilty stains. 

The dying thief rejoiced to see 

That fountain in his day ; 
Oh, there may I, though vile as he, 

Wash all my sins away ! 

Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood 

Shall never lose its power, 
Till all the ransom' d church of God 

Be saved, to sin no more. 



Savior, like a Shepherd lead us, 8s, 7s & 4. 

Much we need thy tend' rest care ; 
In thy pleasant pastures feed us, 

For our use thy folds prepare ; 
Blessed Jesus, 

Thou hast bought us, thine we are. 

Thou hast promised to receive us, 

Poor and sinful though we be ; 
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, 

Grace to cleanse, and power to free ; 
Blessed Jesus, 

Let us early turn to thee. 



236 HYMNS. 



I heard the voice of Jesus say, C. M. D. 

" Come unto me and rest ; 
I^ay down, thou weary one, lay down 

Thy head upon my breast? " 
I came to Jesus as I was, 

Weary, and worn, and sad ; 
I found in him a resting-place, 

And he has made me glad. 



I heard the voice of Jesus say, 

. " Behold, I freely give 
The living water ; thirsty one, 

Stoop down, and drink, and live ! " 
I came to Jesus, and I drank 

Of that life-giving stream ; 
My thirst was quench' d, my soul revived, 

And now I live in him. 



EVENING HYMNS. 



Softly fades the twilight ray 7s. 

Of the holy Sabbath day ; 

Gently as life's setting sun, 

When the Christian's course is run. 

Peace is on the world abroad ; 
'Tis the holy peace of God — 
Symbol of the peace within, 
When the spirit rests from sin. 

Savior, may our Sabbaths be 
Days of peace and joy in thee ; 
Till in heaven our souls repose, 
Where the Sabbath ne'er shall close. 



The day is past and gone, S. M. 

The evening shades appear, 
Oh, may I ever keep in mind 

The night of death draws near. 

Lord, keep me safe this night, 

Secure from all my fears ; 
May angels guard me while I sleep, 

Till morning light appears. 



HYMNS. 237 

And when I early rise, 

To view th' unwearied sun, 
May I set out to win the prize, 

And after glory run. 

Thus far the Lord has led me on ; L. M. 

Thus far his power prolongs my days 
And every ev'ning shall make known 

Some fresh memorial of his grace. 

Much of my time has run to waste, 

And I, perhaps, am near my home ; 
But he forgives my follies past, 

And strength supplies for days to come. 

I lay my body down to sleep ; 

Peace is the pillow of my head : 
His ever-watchful eye will keep 

Its constant guard around my bed. 

Faith in his name forbids my fear ; 

Oh, may thy presence ne'er depart ! 
And in the morning may I bear 

Thy loving-kindness on my heart. 

Nearer, my God, to thee, 6s & 4s. 

Nearer to thee ! 
E'en though it be a cross 

That raiseth me ; 
Still all my song shall be, 

Nearer, my God, to thee, 
Nearer to thee ! 

Though like a wanderer, 
The sun gone down, 

Darkness be over me, 
My rest a stone ; 

Yet in my dreams I'd be, 
Nearer, my God, to thee, 

Nearer to thee ! 



Glory to thee, my God, this night, Iv. M. 

For all the blessings of the light ; 
Keep me, oh, keep me, King of kings, 
Under thine own almighty wings. 



238 HYMNS. 



Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 
Teach me to die, that so I may 
With joy behold the judgment-day. 
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; 
Praise him, all creatures here below ; 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host, 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 



Jesus lover of my soul, 7s. 

Let me to thy bosom fly, 
While the nearer waters roll, 

While the tempest still is high : 
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, 

Till the storm of life is past ; 
Safe into the haven guide ; 

Oh, receive my soul at last ! 

Other refuge have I none ; 

Hangs my helpless soul on thee : 
Leave, Oh, leave me not alone, 

Still support and comfort me : 
All my trust on thee is stay'd, 

All my help from thee I bring ; 
Cover my defenseless head 

With the shadow of thy wing. 

Jesus ! I live to thee, 6s & 7s. 

The loveliest and best ; 
My life in thee, thy life in me, 

In thy blest love I rest. 
Jesus ! I die to thee 

Whenever death shall come ; 
To die in thee is life to me 

In my eternal home. 

Whether to live or die, 

I know not which is best ; 
To live in thee is bliss to me, 

To die is endless rest. 

Living or dying, Lord ! 

I ask but to be thine ; 
My life in thee, thy life in me, 

Makes heaven for ever mine. 

Rev. //. Harbaugh. 



INDEX. 239 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Preface iii 

The Lord's Prayer 5 

Scriptural Forms of Blessing 5 

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS. ■ 

First Week . . 6 

Second Week 34 

Third Week ' 62 

Fourth Week 90 

Fifth Week . . . . ti8 

PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

Christmas Day 146 

The Last Day of the Year 148 

The First Morning of the New Year 150 

Good Friday 152 

Easter Day . . 154 

Ascension Day 156 

Whitsunday, or Pentecost 158 

Prayer for a Day of Humiliation 161 

Prayer for a Day of Thanksgiving .162 

Anniversary of the Reformation . . 164 

Morning of a Communion Sabbath 166 

Evening of a Communion Sabbath 168 

For a Time of Bereavement 170 

Prayer to be Used by a Family Detained From Public Worship . 172 

Prayer to be Used at the Bedside of a Dying Believer 174 , 

Prayer to be Uttered by the Sick ' 176 

Prayer of Parents for their Children 177 

A prayer to be Used by the Children ... 181 

Another Prayer for Children 183 

Prayers for Opening a Sunday-school 186 

Prayers for Closing a Sunday-school 194 

Matthias Claudius Exposition of the Lord's Prayer 202 

A Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer 205 

Another Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer , 206 

A Dissertation on Prayer, by Matthew Henry 208 



240 INDEX. 

Page. 

The Limitations of Prayer 215 

The Prayers oe the Bibi,e 217 

The Lord's Prayer 218 

Christ's Prayer on the Night in which He was Betrayed 219 

REMARKABLE PRAYERS. 

Luther's Prayer at the Diet of Worms 222 

Prayers of S S. Schmucker, When Under Conviction 223 

A Beautiful Marriage Prayer 226 

Prayer at the Third Centurial Jubilee of the Reformation, Oct. 

31st, 1817 227 

Prayer at a Temperance Meeting 229 

A Remarkable Old Prayer 231 

Grace at Table . . 232 

Grace After Meals 232 

Child's Morning Prayers 232 

Child's Evening Prayers 233 

Morning Hymns 234 

Evening Hymns 236 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



241 



TABLE OF SCRIPTURE READING LESSONS. 

A portion of the Holy Scripture should be read in connection with 
every act of Family Worship. The following table, taken from the 
"Home A/ tar," by Dr. Deems, will give the lessons which embrace 
those portions of sacred Scripture, likely to be most profitable, when 
read at Family Worship. The lessons extend over two years. " No 
table could be constructed for one year, without making the lessons 
unsuitably and unprofitably long." 

FIRST YEAR. 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


JANUARY 


I 


Genesis 


I 




Matthew i 


4 1 


2 


11 


2 




44 


2 


< < 


3 


4 4 


3 




4 4 


3 . 


< < 


4 


4 4 


4 




i 4 


4 


t< 


5 


4 4 


5 




4 4 


5 to v. 21 


< i 


6 


4 4 


6 




4 4 


5 v. 21 


< t 


7 


4 4 


7 




44 


6 to v. 16 


<< 


8 


4 4 


8 




44 


6 v. 16 


C( 


9 


4 4 


9 




4 4 


7 


(4 


10 


44 


10 




44 


8 to v. 18 


CI 


11 


4 j 


12 




44 


8 v. 18 


(4 


12 


4 4 


13 




4 > 


9 to v. 18 


4 ( 


13 


4 4 


14 




4 4 


9 v. 18 


4 4 


14 


44 


15 




(4 


]o 


4 4 


*5 


" 


16 




44 


11 


( 4 


16 


44 


17 




44 


12 to v. 22 


4 4 

4 4 


17 

18 


4 4 
4 4 


18 to v. 
18 v. 17 


17 


44 


12 v. 22 

13 to v. 31 


4 4 


J 9 


44 


19 to V. 


30 


44 


13 v. 31 


4 4 


20 


4 4 


20 




44 


14 


4 4 
4 4 


21 
22 


4 4 

4 4 


21 to V. 
21 V. 22 


22 


4 4 
4 4 


15 to V. 21 
15 V. 21 


" 


2 3 


4 4 


22 




11 


16 


4 4 


24 


44 


23 




4 4 


17 


4 4 


25 


4 4 


24 to V. 


32 


44 


18 tO V. 21 


44 


26 


4 4 


24 v. 32 




44 


l8 V. 21 


4 4 


27 


4 4 


25 to V. 


19 


(4 


19 


4 4 


28 


4 4 


25 v. 19 




C< 


20 to v. 17 


4 4 


29 


4 4 


26 to V. 


17 


4 4 


20 v. 17 


4 4 


30 


44 


26 v. 17 




44 


21 tO V. 23 


4 ( 


31 


4 4 


27 to V. 


30 


4 4 


21 V. 23 


FEBRUARY 


4 4 


27 v. 30 




44 


22 tO V. 23 


•' 


2 


4 4 


28 




" 


22 V. 23 


4 4 


3 


4 4 


29 to v. 


15 


4 4 


23 


( ' 


4 


' * 


29 v. 15 




' ' 


24 


(4 


5 


i 4 


30 to V. 


25 


4 4 


25 to v. 31 



242 



TABLE OF WESSONS. 
FIRST YEAR. 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


FEBRUARY 6 


Genesis 30 v. 25 


MATTHEW25 v. 31 


7 


31 to v. 25 


<4 


26 to v. 36 


8 


32 to v. 24 


<< 


26 v. 36 


9 


32 v. 24 


a 


27 


" IO 


33 


il 


28 


" ii 


34 


Mark 


I 


44 12 


35 


<< 


2 


13 


37 


<( 


3 


14 


39 


" 


4 to v. 26 


15 


40 


<i 


4 v. 26 


16 


41 to v. 37 


< < 


5 tO V. 21 


17 


4i v. 37 


i i 


5 V 21 


18 


42 to v. 25 


<< 


6 to v 30 


!9 


42 v. 25 


< < • 


6 v. 30 


" 20 


43 to v. 15 


4 ' 


7 to v. 24 


44 21 


43 v. 15 


< 1 


7 v. 24 


44 22 


44 44 to v. 14 


<< 


8 to v. 27 


2 3 


44 v. 14 


< < 


8 v. 27 


24 


44 45 to v. 16 


i i 


9 to v. 30 


25 


45 v. 16 


i < 


9 v. 30 


26 


46 


< < 


10 to v. 32 


27 


47 


ti 


10 v. 32 


28 


48 


i t 


II 


MARCH 1 


49 


n 


12 


14 2 


50 to v. 15 


11 


13 


3 


50 v. 15 


{{ 


14 to v. 26 


4 


Exodus i 


ii 


14 v. 26 


5 


44 2 


a 


15 


6 


3 


n 


16 


7 


44 4 to v. 18 


I,UKE 


1 to v. 39 


8 


4 v. 18 


a 


1 v. 39 


9 


5 


it 


2 to v. 40 


44 10 


44 6 to v. 14 


t < 


2 V. 40 


44 11 


44 6 v. 14 


i t 


3 


44 12 


7 


ti 


4 


!3 


8 to v. 16 


ii 


5 


" . J 4 


8 v. 16 


ti 


6 to v. 20 


15 


44 9 to v. 13 


a 


6 v. 20 


16 


9 v. 13 


n 


7 to v. 36 


17 


IO tO V. 12 


u 


7 v. 36 


18 


44 IO V. 12 


i< 


8 to v. 26 


19 


11 II 


ti 


8 v. 26 


" 20 


44 i2"to v. 37 


n 


9 to v. 37 


44 21 


12 v. 37 


< < 


9 v - 37 


44 22 


13 


ii 


10 to v 25 


23 


14 to v. 15 


4 * 


10 v. 25 


24 


14 v. 15 


1 1 


11 to v. 29 





FAMILY PRAYERS. 


243 




FIRST YEAR. 






CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 




EVENING. 


MARCH 25 


Exodus 15 


IvUKE 


11 v. 29 


26 


16 


• i 


I I 


27 


17 




13 


28 


18 




14 


29 


19 




15 


30 


" 20 




16 


3i 


" 21 to v. 18 




17 to v. 20 


APRIL 1 


11 21 V. l8 




17 v. 20 


<< 2 


11 22 tO V. 1 6 




18 to v. 31 


3 


" 22 V. l6 




18 v. 31 


4 


" 23 to v. 20 




19 to v. 28 


5 


23 v. 20 




19 v. 28 


6 


24 




20 


7 


32 tov. 15 




21 


8 


32 v. 15 




22 tO V. 31 


9 


33 




22 V. 31 


" 10 


34 to v. 27 




23 


11 11 


34 v. 27 




24 


U 12 


40 


John 


i to v. 29 


13 


IvEVlTl. 19 to v. 19 




1 v. 29 


14 


" 19 v. 19 




2 


15 


24 




3 tO V. 22 


16 


25 




3 V. 22 


17 


26 to V. 21 




4 


18 


" 26 V. 21 




5 


19 


Numbers 11 to v. 24 




6 to v. 22 


11 20 


" 11 v. 24 




6 v. 22 


" 21 


" 12 




7 to v. 32 


" 22 


13 




7 v. 32 


23 


" 14 to v. 26 




8 to v. 21 


24 


" 14 v. 26 




8 v. 21 


25 


" 16 to v. 36 




9 


26 


" 16 v. 36 




10 to v. 22 


27 


17 




IO V. 22 


28 


" 20 




11 to v. 30 


29 


" 21 




11 v. 30 


30 


" 22 




12 tO V. 20 


MAY 1 


23 




12 V. 20 


" 2 


24 




13 


3 


25 




14 


4 


27 




15 


5 


30 




16 


6 


31 to v. 25 




17 


7 


3 1 v. 25 




18 


8 


32 




iq 


9 


35 




20 


11 10 


36 




21 



244 



TABLE OF LESSONS. 



FIRST YEAR. 





CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


! 


EVENING. 


MAY 


II 
12 


Deut. 

< ( 


1 to V. 

1 v. 19 


19 


ACTS 

< < 


I 

2 


" 


13 


1 i 


2 tO V. 


26 


< < 


3 


( » 


14 


i 1 


2 V. 26 




' 


4 to v. 23 


" 


15 


1 < 


3 




< t 


4 v. 23 


" 


16 


i 1 


4 to v. 


25 


< < 


5 to v. 17 


1 1 


17 


c-c 


4 v. 25 




(< 


5 v. 17 


c < 


18 


1 4 


5 to v. 


22 


< < 


6 


i < 


!9 ■ 


(C 


5 v. 22 




i < 


7 to v. 30 


" 


20 


< i 


6 




(< 


7 v. 30 


< < 


21 


a 


7 




<< 


8 to v. 26 


<{ 


22 


1 i 


8 




<< 


8v. 26 


CI 


23 


a 


9 




<< 


9 to v. 23 


cc 


24 


n 


10 




cc 


9 v. 23 


(< 


25 


a 


11 




If 


10 to v. 34 


cc 


26 


a 


12 




(( 


10 v. 34 


C( 


27 


<< 


13 




cc 


11 to v. 19 


<< 


28 


<< 


14 




cc 


11 v. 19 


(< 


29 


(( 


15 




cc 


12 


(I 


30 


< ( 


16 




cc 


13 to v. 14 


<( 


31 


(< 


17 




cc 


13 v. 14 


JUNE 


I 


(( 


18 




(< 


14 to v. 19 


<( 


2 


(< 


J 9 




cc 


14 v. 19 


<( 


3 


(< 


20 




(C 


15 


<( 


4 


C ( 


21 




CC 


16 to v. 14 


c< 


5 


< < 


22 




(C 


16 v 14 


cc 


6 


< < 


24 




cc 


17 to v. 16 


<( 


7 


< t 


25 




cc 


17 v. 16 


11 


8 


" 


26 




cc 


18 to v. 18 


( < 


9 


(( 


27 




" 


18 v. 18 


(( 


10 


<( 


28 to V. 


15 


cc 


19 tO V. 21 


(( 


11 


<( 


28 v. 15 




« c 


19 V 21 


(( 


12 


< < 


29 




( ( 


20 to v. 17 


(< 


13 


< ( 


30 




cc 


21 


( < 


14 


c< 


31 




C 1 


22 


(( 


15 


< i 


32 




cc 


23 


a 


16 


If 


33 




cc 


24 


i i 


17 


( I 


34 




(C 


25 


i < 


18 


Joshua 


1 




c < 


26 


< i 


19 


t< 


2 




cc 


27 to v. 31 


a 


20 


< < 


3 




cc 


27 v. 31 


a 


21 


< < 


4 




" 


28 to v. 17 


a 


22 


< < 


5 




" 


28 v. 17 


cc 


23 


" 


6 to v. 


12 


Romans 


I 


(( 


24 


44 


6 v. 12 




cc 


2 


t< 


25 


< < 


7 to v. 


16 




3 


it 


26 


" 


7 v. 16 






4 



family prayers. 

FIRST YEAR. 



245 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


JUNE 


27 


Joshua 


8 to v. 14 


Romans 5 




28 




8 v. 14 


11 


6 




29 




9 


11 


7 




30 




TO tO V. 15 


" 


8 


JULY 


1 




10 v 15 to 28 


(< 


9 




2 




^0 v. 28 


11 


10 




3 




22 tO V. 21 


i i 


11 




4 




22 V. 21 


u 


12 




5 




23 


t < 


13 




6 




24 to v. 19 


< < 


14 




7 




24 v. 19 


< < 


15 




8 


Judges 


I tO V. 22 


(< 


- 16 




9 




I V. 22 


1 Cor. 


1 




10 




2 tO V. II 


tt 


2 




11 




2 V. II 


< < 


3 




12 




3 to V. 12 


it 


4 




13 




3 v. 12 


<< 


5 




14 




4 


ii 


6 




15 




5 


< < 


7 




16 




6 to v. 11 


ii 


8 




17 




6 v. 11 to 25 


it 


9 




18 




6 v. 25 


it 


10 




19 




7 


n 


11 




20 




8 to v. 22 


n 


12 




21 




8 v. 22 


<( 


13 




22 




9 to v 22 


(< 


14 




23 




9 v. 22 to 46 


<< 


15 




24 




9 v. 46 


(i 


16 




25 




10 


2 Cor. 


1 




26 




11 to v 29 


< < 


2 




27 




11 v. 29 


" 


3 




28 




12 


i t 


4 




29 




13 


(< 


5 




30 




14 


< < 


6 




3i 




15 


<< 


7 


AUGUST 


1 




l6 tO V. 21 


< ( 


8 




2 




l6 V. 21 


< < 


9 




3 




17 


t < 


10 




4 




18 


< < 


11 




5 




19 tO V. 22 


<< 


12 




6 




19 V. 22 


< < 


13 




7 




20 to v. 26 


Galat 


'NS I 




8 




20 v. 26 


( ( 


2 




9 




21, tO V l6 


<< 


3 




10 




21 V. l6 


«( 


4 




11 


Ruth 


I 


i ( 


5 




12 


tt 


2 


( ( 


6 



24-6 



TABLE OF LESSONS. 



FIRST YEAR. 





CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


KVKNING. 


AUGUST 


*3 


Ruth 


3 




Ephes. 


I 


(( 


14 


< < 


4 




i < 


2 


(( 


15 


1 Samuei, i 




t < 


3 


( < 


16 


( 1 


2 to 


v. 22 


i< 


4 


(( 


17 


< ( 


2 v. 


22 


tt 


5 


tt 


18 


<< 


3 




n 


6 


(< 


T 9 


< < 


4 




Phii,. 


1 


<( 


20 


< t 


5 




" 


2 


is 


21 


< < 


6 




< t 


3 


i t 


22 


u 


7 




n 


4 


ti 


2 3 


<( 


8 




Coi^oss'ns 


1 


a 


24 


< < 


9 




i I 


2 


a 


25 


< ( 


10 




tt 


3 


a 


26 


<( 


11 




ti 


4 


a 


27 


(< 


12 




1 Thes. 


1 


a 


28 


a 


13 




f ( 


2 


<< 


29 


tt 


14 to 


v. 24 


ti 


3 


< < 


30 


a 


14 v. 


24 


it 


4 


<( 


3i 


a 


15 




ti 


5 


SEPTEMB'Ri 


a 


16 




2 Thes. 


1 


<< 


2 


1 1 


17 to 


v. 30 


1 1 


2 


a 


3 


<( 


17 V. 


30 


a 


3 


a 


4 


a 


18 




1 Tim. 


1 


a 


5 


c< 


19 




a 


2, 3 


a 


6 


<( 


20 




t . 


4 


a 


7 


(< 


21 




(( 


5 


a 


8 


<< 


22 




(( 


6 


CI 


9 


< < 


23 




2 Tim. 


1 


(( 


10 


< < 


24 




< t 


2 


<< 


11 


n 


25 




a 


3 


<( 


12 


ti 


26 




1 1 


4 


a 


x 3 


1 1 


27 




Titus 


1 


(( 


14 


tt 


28 




<< 


2,3 


(( 


15 


•t t 


29 




Philemon 


(( 


16 


1 1 


30 




Hebrews 


1 


a 


17 


n 


31 




1 1 


2 


(I 


18 


2 SAMUKlv I 




tt 


3 


(< 


J 9 


< c 


2 




n 


4 


( ( 


20 


<( 


3 




n 


5 


i ( 


21 


(< 


4 




n 


6 


II 


22 


tt 


5 




1 1 


7 


(1 


23 


t < 


6 




1 1 


8 


(( 


24 


a 


7 




11 


9 


(( 

< i 


25 

26 


a 
n 


8 
9 




< t 


10 
11 


< ( 


27 


" 


10 




i 1 


12 


(< 


28 


a 


11 




1 1 


13 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 
FIRST YEAR. 



247 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 




SEPT. 29 


2 SAMUKIy 12 




James 


1 




30 


< i 


13 to V. 


23 


< t 


2 




OCTOBER 1 


<t 


13 v. 23 




t« 


3 




" 2 


t « 


14 




i < 


4 




3 


11 


15 




a 


5 




4 


11 


16 




1 Peter 


1 




5 


" 


17 




(< 


2 




6 


< < 


18 




i 1 


3 




7 


< < 


19 to V. 


16 


tl 


4 




8 




1 9 v 1 6 




u 


5 




9 


11 


20 




2 Peter 


1 




10 


" 


21 




1 1 


2 




" 11 


i < 


22 




i 1 


3 




12 


11 


23 




1 John 


1 




13 


t i 


24 




(< 


2 




14 


1 Kings 


1 to v. 


28 


<< 


3 




15 


(i 


1 v. 28 




(< 


4 




16 




2 tO V. 


26 


< < 


5 




17 


< t 


2 V. 26 




2, 3 John 






18 


(< 


3 




Jude 






19 


11 


4 




Rev. 


1 




20 


(< 


5 






2 




" 21 


1 1 


6 






3 




22 


< < 


7 






4, 5 




23 


(i 


8 






6 




24 


" 


9 






7 




25 


<< 


10 






8 




41 ' 26 


" 


11 to v. 


26 




9 




27 


< < 


11 v. 26 






10 




28 


(< 


12 






11 




29 


lt 


13 






12 




30 


<( 


14 






13 




31 


{( 


15- 






14 




NOVEMB'R 1 


(( 


•16 






15 




" 2 


(1 


17 






16 




3 


11 


18 






17 




4 


( ( 


19 






38 




5 


< < 


20 to V. 


22 




19 




6 


i 1 


20 V. 22 






20 




7 


i( 


21 






21 




8 


i t 


22 tO V. 


29 




22 




9 


il 


22 V. 29 




Psalm 


1 




*' 10 


2 Kings 


I 






2 




" 11 


il 


2 






3 




11 12 


li 


3 






4 




13 


" 


4 






6 




14 


< < 


5 






7 





24« 


TABLE OF LESSONS. 






FIRST YEAR. 






CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 

2 Kings 6 


EVENING. 


NOVEMB'Ri5 


Psalm 


8 


16 


7 




9 


17 


8 




10 


18 


9 




11 


19 


" 10 




12 


" 20 


11 11 




13 


" 21 


" 12 




14 


11 22 


13 




15 


23 


14 




16 


24 


15 


t < 


17 


25 


16 




18 to v. 24 


26 


' 17 to v. 24 


18 v. 24 


27 


" 17 v. 24 




19 


28 


18 




20 


29 


" 19 to V. ' 




21 


30 


4< 19 v 20 




22 tO V. l8 


DECEMBER 1 


" 20 




22 V. l8 


" 2 


" 21 , 




23 


3 


" 22 




24 


4 


23 




25 


5 


24 




26 


6 


25 




28, 29 


7 


Ezra i 




30 


8 


3 




31 


9 


4 




32 


" 10 


5 




33 


" 11 


6 




34 


" 12 


7 




35 


13 


8 V. 2. 




36 


14 


9 




37 to v. 22 


15 


Neh'miah 1 




37 V. 22 


16 


a 2 




33 


17 


4 to v. 13 




39 


18 


4 v. 13 




40 


19 


5 




41 


11 20 


6 




44 


" 21 


8 




45 


11 22 


9 




46 


23 


11 10 




47 


24 


13 




49 


25 


Matthew a 




42 


26 


Psalm 110, 11 1 




5o 


27 


Esther i 




51 


28 


2 




52 


29 


3 




53, 54 


30 


4 




55 


31 


5 




56 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 
SECOND YEAR. 



249 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


JANUARY i 


Esther 6 Psa 


i*m 57 


<« 2 


7 


58 


3 


8 


59 


4 


44 9 to v. 20 


4 60, 61 


5 


11 9 V. 20 


62 


6 


Job i 


63 


7 


" 2 


64 


•8 


3 


65 


9 


4 


68 to v. 18- 


44 IO 


5 


• 69 to v. 19 


" ii 


6 


1 69 v. 19 & 70 


11 12 


7 


70 


13 


8 


71 


14 


9 


72 


15 


" 10 


73 


16 


44 11 


74 


17 


44 12 


75 


18 


13 


76 


I 9 


14 


77 


" 20 


15 


* 78 to v. 24 


21 


16 


79 


44 22 


17 


80 


23 


18 


81, 82 


24 


19 


83 


25 


44 20 ' 


85 


26 


u 2I 1 


.86 


27 


44 22 


88 


28 


23 


4 89 to v. 19 


29 


24, 25 


4 89 v. 19 


30 . 


26 


90 


31 


27 


91 


FEBRUARY 1 


28 


92, 93 


" 2 


29 


94 


3 


30 


95 


4 


31 


96 


5 


32 


97 


6 


33 


98 


7 


34' 


99 


8 


35 


4 100 


9 


" 36 


1 101 


14 10 


37 


4 102 to v. 15 


" 11 


38 


4 102 v. 15 


12 


" ■ 39 


103 


13 ■ 


40 


104 to v. 15 


14 


41 


104 v. 15 


15 


42 


I05 tO V. 22 


16 1 


Proverbs i to v.^co 


IO5 V. 22 



250 


TABLE OF LESSONS. 




SECOND YEAR 




CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


FEBRU'RY 17 


Proverbs i v. 20 


PSAI.M I06 


18 


" 2 


44 107 to v. 31 


r 9 


3 


" 107 v. 31 & 108 


" 20 


4 


il IO9 


44 21 


5 


li IIO, III 


44 22 


6 to v. 20 


112, 113 


23 


6 v. 20 


114, 115 


24 


7 


Il6, 117 


25 


8 


Il8 


26 


9 


44 119 to v. 24 


27 


44 10 


%t 119 to v. 48 
44 119 to v. 72 


28 


44 11 


MARCH 1 


" 12 


44 119 to v. 96 


i< 2 


13 


" 119 to v. 120 


3 


44 14 to v. 16 


44 119 to v. 144 


4 


44 14 v. 16 


* 4 119 to v. 176 


5 


" 15 tO V. 21 


44 120, 121, 123 


6 


15 V. 21 


44 124, 125, 126 


7 


16 


128,129,130,131 


8 


17 to v. 15 


132, 133, 134 


9 


17 v. 15 


135 


44 10 


18 


136 


" 11 


19 


137, 138 
139 
140, 141 


11 12 


" 20 


13 


44 21 tO V. 17 


14 


44 21 V. 17 


142, 143 


15 


11 23 to V. 22 


144 


16 


44 23 V. 22 


145 


17 


24 


44 146, 147 to V. II 


18 


25 


44 147 v. 11 & 148 


19 


26 


149, 150 


44 20 


27 


Matthew i 


44 21 


28 


44 2 


44 22 


«9 


3 


23 


31 


44 4 to v. 17 


24 


Ecci.es. I 


4v. 17 


25 


44 2 


44 5 to V. 21 


26 


3 


44 6 to v. 16 


27 


4 


44 6 v. 16 


28 


5 


7 


2$ 


6 


44 8 to v. 18 


30 


7 


8v. 18 


3i 


8 


44 • 9 to v. 18 


APRIL 1 


9 


44 9 v. 18 


rt . s 


44 10 


44 10 


3 


" 11 


44 11 


4 


11 12 


li 12 to V. 22 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 
SECOND YEAR. 



251 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


APRIL 


5 


JEREMIAH I 




Matthew 1 2 v 22 


" 


6 


11 


2 tO 


v. 20 


i i 


13 to v. 31 


<< 


7 


11 


2 V. 


20 


11 


13 v. 31 


i < 


S 


11 


3 




a 


14 tO V. 22 


a 


9 


11 


4 to 


v. 19 


<« 


14 V. 22 


a 


10 


< J 


4v. 


19 


11 


15 tO V. 21 


tt 


11 


11 


5 




11 


IJ V. 21 


< 1 


12 


#1 


6 




11 


16 


(i 


13 


ii 


7 to 


V. 21 


11 


17 


<< 


14 


11 


7 v. 


21 


11 


l8 tO V. 21 


(< 


15 


<( 


8 




11 


19 to v. 16 


11 


16 


11 


9 




11 


19 v. 16 


(< 


17 


ii 


10 




11 


20 to v. 17 


<< 


18 


11 


11 




a 


20 v. 17 


11 


19 


11 


12 




a 


21 tO V. 23 


c< 


20 


11 


13 




a 


21 V. 23 


< < 


21 


11 


14 




it 


22 tO V. 23 


it 


22 


11 


15 




11 


22 V 23 


a 


23 


IC 


16 




<< 


23 to v. 25 


11 


24 


11 


17 




Ii 


23 v. 25 


a 


25 


14 


18 




a 


24 to v. 29 


11 


26 


II 


J 9 




<i 


24 v. 29 


(I 


27 


II 


20 




ii 


25 to v. 31 


(C 


28 


(( 


21 




< < 


25 v. 31 


11 


29 


II 


22 




(< 


26 to v. 36 


11 


30 


II 


23 




(< 


26 v. 36 


MAY 


1 


II 


24 




11 


27 


< < 


2 


II 


25 




11 


28 


(i 


3 


(( 


26 




Hebrews i 


11 


4 


II 


27 




< i 


2 


11 


5 


II 


28 




11 


3 


11 


6 


(( 


29 




11 


4 


(< 


7 


(( 


30 




(< 


5 


11 


8 


(( 


31 




H 


6 


si 


9 


< < 


32 




< < 


7 


11 


10 


II 


33 




< < 


8 


11 


11 


II 


34 




< < 


9 


11 


12 


II 


35 




11 


10 


11 


13 


II 


36 




ct 


11 


1 < 


14 


II 


37 




< < 


12 


11 


15 


II 


38 




11 


13 


" 


16 


II 


39 




Mark 


1 


i < 


17 


" 


40 




" 


2 


< 1 


18 


II 


4i 




< < 


3 


1 i 


19 


( ( 


42 




< 1 


4 to v. 26 


11 


20 


(< 


43 




11 


4 v 26 


« < 


21 


< ( 


• 44 




11 


5 to V. 21 



252 



TABLE OF LESSONS. 



SECOND YEAR. 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


MAY 22 


JKREMIAH45, 46 




Mark 


5 v. ?I 


2 3 


( < 


47 




(< 


6 to v. 30 


24 


C( 


48 to V. 


25 


< i 


6 v. 30 


25 


i t 


48 v. 25 




< 4 


7 to v. 24 


26 


i i 


49 to v. 


23 


CC 


7 v. 24 


27 


" 


49 v. 23 




i ( 


8 to v. 27 


28 


i i 


50 to V. 


21 


4 ( 


8 v. 27 


29 


i t 


50 V. 21 




i i 


9 to v. 30 


30 


i i 


51 to V. 


35 


it 


9 v. 30 


31 


<< 


51 v. 35 




CC 


10 to v. 32 


JUNE 1 


cc 


52 




CC 


10 v. 32 


" 2 


Lamen. 


1 




a 


II 


3 


<< 


2 




CC 


12 tO V. 28 


4 


II 


3 to V. 


37 


II 


12 V. 28 


5 


cc 


3 v. 37 




CC 


13 


6 


CI 


4 




II 


14 to v. 26 


7 


II 


5 




c« 


14 v. 26 


8 


EzEKIEL 


1 




CC 


15 


9 


CI 


2 




II 


16 


" 10 


it 


3 




Romans 


I 


" 11 


ci 


6 




11 


2 


" 12 


11 


7 




ic 


3 


13 


CI 


13 




(i 


4 


14 


il 


14 




it 


5 


15 


CI 


18 to v. 


19 


it 


6 


16 


II 


18 v. 19 




it 


7 


17 


II 


33 to v. 


21 


it 


8 


18 


< i 


33 v. 21 




ii 


9 


19 


i i 


34 




<i 


10 


" 20 


DANIEL 


1 




it 


11 


14 21 


it 


2 to v. 


24 


11 


12 


** 22 


CI 


2 v. 24 




1 1 


13 


23 


CI 


3 




11 


14 


24 


CI 


4 




it 


15 


25 


II 


5 




t i 


16 


26 


( ( 


6 




IyUKE 


1 to v. 39 


27 


(( 


7 




i t 


>x v. 39 


28 


CC 


8 




11 


2 to v. 40 


29 


i i 


9 




(< 


2 V. 40 


30 


" 


10 




i t 


3 


JULY 1 


( i 


11 




CC 


4 


a 2 


i ( 


12 




" 


5 


3 


HOSEA 


1 




1 1 


6 to v. 20 


■ 4 


t i 


2 




CC 


6 v. 20 


5 


i t 


3 




4 ( 


7 to v. 36 


6 


CC 


4 




< i 


7 v. 36 


7 


< ( 


5 




i i 


8 to v. 26 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 
SECOND YKAR. 



253 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


JULY 8 


HOSEA 


6 


Luke 


8 v. 26 


9 


< < 


7 




9 to v 37 


" IO 


11 


8 




9 v. 37 


" ii 


< i 


9 




10 to v. 25 


<< I2 


' ' 


10 




10 v. 25 


13 


CI 


11 




11 to v. 29 


14 


u 


12 




11 v. 29 


15 


ii 


13 




13 


16 


ci 


14 




14 


17 


Joel 


1 




15 


18 


c< 


2 to v. 15 




16 


19 


<< 


2 V. 15 




17 to v. 20 


" 20 


i< 


3 




18 to v. 31 


" 21 


Amos 


I 




18 v. 31 


" . 22 


IC 


2 




19 to v. 28 


23 


CI 


3 




19 v. 28 


24 


<c 


4 




20 


25 


c< 


5 




21 


26 


<< 


6 




22 tO V. 31 


27 


ii 


7 




22 V. 31 


28 


ii 


8 




23 


29 


ii 


9 




24 


30 


Obadiah 




1 Cor. 


' I 


3i 


Jonah 


1 




2 


AUGUST 1 


ii 


2 




3 


a 2 


ii 


3 




4 


3 


it 


4 




5 


4 


MlCAH 


1 




6 


5 


n 


2 




7 


6 


ii 


3 




8 


7 


ii 


4 




9 


8 


it 


5 




10 


9 


ti 


6 




11 


M 10 


a 


7 




12 


" 11 


Nahum 


1 




13 


" 12 


n 


2 




14 


13 


n 


3 




15 


14 


Habakuk 


1 




16 


15 


n 


2 


John 


1 to v. 29 


16 


It 


3 




1 v. 29 


17 


Zeph. 


1 




2 


18 


ii 


2 




3 to v. 22 


19 


il 


3 




3 v. 22 


" 20 


Haggai 


1 




4 


<« 21 


ii 


2 




5 


11 22 


Zechar. 


1 




6 to v. 22 


23 


ii 


2 




6 v. 22 



254 



TABLE OF LESSONS. 



SECOND YEAR. 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


AUGUST 


24 


ZECHAR. 


3 


< < 


25 


t < 


4 


c< 


26 


cc 


5 


<< 


27 


cc 


6 


it 


28 


1 1 


7 


it 


29 


11 


8 


(< 


3° 


1 1 


9 


cc 


3 1 


cc 


10 


SEPTEMBER 


11 


II 


cc 


2 


cc 


12 


cc 


3 


cc 


13 


CI 


4 


cc 


14 


CI 


5 


Maxachi 


cc 


6 


i < 


2 


cc 


7 


cc 


3 


cc 


8 


cc 


4 


CI 


9 


Isaiah 


I 


cc 


IO 


cc 


2 


cc 


ii 


( ( 


3 


CI 


12 


cc 


4 


cc 


*3 


cc 


5 


cc 


14 


( ( 


6 


cc 


15 


( ( 


7 


cc 


16 


{( 


8 


(( 


17 


cc 


9 


(i 


18 


cc 


10 to v. 20 


cc 


19 


( i 


10 v. 20 


cc 


20 


" 


II 


t i 


21 


(( 


12 


(( 


22 


(( 


13 


cc 


23 


( i 


14 


<( 


24 


cc 


15 


it 


25 


(« 


16 


1 1 


26 


(( 


17 


cc 


27 


4 ( 


18 


cc 


2S 


t < 


J 9 


cc 


29 


( i 


20, 21 


c < 


30 


( i 


22 


OCTOBER 


I 


" 


23 


i 1 


2 


M 


24 to v. 13 


cc 


3 




24 v. 13 


cc 


4 


( ( 


25 


cc 


5 




26 


.4 


6 


" 


27 


( t 


7 


1 1 


28 


It 


8 


i ( 


29 




9 


CI 


30 



EVENING. 



John 



2 Cor. 



Acts 



7 to v. 32 
7v. 32 

8 to v. 21 

8 v. 21 
9 

IO tO V. 22 

10 V. 22 

11 to v. 30 

11 v. 30 

12 tO V. 20 
12 V. 20 
13 

14 
15 
16 

17 
18 

19 
20 
21 

I 
2 

. 3 
4 
5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
10 
11 

12 

13 

1 
2 

3 

4 to v. 23 
4v. 23 

5 to v. 17 
5 v. 17 

6 

7 to v. 30 

7 v. 30 

8 to v. 26 

8 v. 26 

9 to v. 23 
9 v. 23 






FAMILY PRAYERS. 
SECOND YEAR. 



255 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


ACTS 


EVENING. 


OCTOBER 10 


ISAIAH 31 


10 to v. 34 


44 II 


32 


< < 


10 v. 34 


44 12 


33 


<( 


11 to v. 19 


13 


34 


< ( 


11 v. 19 


14 


35 


( < 


12 


'5 


36 


t < 


13 to v. 14 


16 


37 


< < 


13 v. 14 


17 


38 


< c 


14 to v. 19 


18 


39 


lt 


14 v. 19 


T 9. 


40 


i i 


15 


" 20 


4i 


11 


16 to v. 14 


11 21 


42 


<( 


16 v 14 


" 22 


43 


< < 


17 10 v. 16 


23 


44 


< i 


17 v. 16 


24 


45 


11 


18 to v. 18 


25 


46 


11 


18 v. 18 


26 


47 


11 


19 to V. 21 


27 


48 


t < 


19 V 21 


28 


49 


" 


20 to v. 17 


29 


50 


< < 


20 v. 17 


30 


51 


< i 


21 


31 


52 


i l 


22 


NOVEMB'R 1 


53 


(i 


23 


14 2 


54 


11 


24 


3 


55 


11 


25 


4 


56 


< t 


26 


5 


57 


<« 


27 to V. 21 


6 


53 


11 


27 V. 21 


7 


59 


11 


28 to v. 17 


8 


60 


" 


28 v. 17 


9 


61 


Gat.at'ns 1 


44 10 


62 


ii 


2 


" 11 


63 


<< 


3 


44 12 


64 


<( 


4 


13 


65 


< 4 


5 


14 


66 


< < 


6 


15 


1 Samuel i 


Ephes. 


1 


16 


44 2 


«< 


2 


17 


3 


11 


3 


18 


4 


n 


4 


19 


5 


<< 


5 


44 20 


6 


11 


6 


44 21 


7 


Phil. 


1 


44 2* 


8 


" 


2 


23 


9 


' i 


3 


24 


10 


14 


4 


25 


44 11 


Co LOSS 


'ns 1 



256 



TABLE OF LESSONS. 
SECOND YEAR. 



CALENDAR. 


MORNING. 


EVENING. 


NOVEMB'R26 


i Samuex 12 


Coi^oss'ns 2 


27 


t« 


13 


< < 


3 


28 


<< 


14 to v. 24 


li 


4 


29 


<< 


14 v. 24 


James 


1 


30 


" 


15 


(< 


2 


DECEMBER 1 


< < 


16 


<< 


3 


2 


< ( 


17 to v. 30 


a 


4 


3 


< < 


17 v. 30 


a 


5 


4 


< < 


18 


1 John 


1 


5 


<i 


'9 


(< 


2 


6 


" 


20 


(< 


3 


7 


< 1 


3i 


4( 


4 


8 


2 Samuei, I 


<< 


5 


9 


< < 


5 


2, 3 John 




" 10 


Joshua 


1 


Revei,. 


1 


" 11 


<i 


2 


(< 


2 


" 12 


(< 


3 


< i 


3 


13 


< i 


4 


" 


4, 5 


14 


<( 


5 


a 


6 


15 


a 


6 to v. 12 


" 


7 


16 


a 


6 v. 12 


<< 


8 


17 


i i 


7 to v. 16 


<( 


9 


18 


t< 


7 v. 16 


it 


10 


19 


4 < 


8 to v. 14 


a 


11 


20 


<i 


8 v. 14 


" 


12 


" 21 


« < 


9 


i < 


13 


* * ' 22 


c t 


10 to v. 15 


<( 


14 


23 


< < 


10 v. 15 to 28 


i < 


15 


24 


i < 


22 tO V. 21 


" 


16 


25 


PS. 45 & ISA. 9 to v. 8 


Luke 


2 to v. 38 


26 


Joshua 


22 V. 21 


REvei,. 


17 


27 


<< 


23 




18 


28 


(< 


24 to v. 19 


. 


19 


29 


a 


24 v. 19 




20 


30 


Exodus 


20 




21 


31 


Ecci,es. 


12 




22 



PRACTICAL 

SERMONS and ADDRESSES, 

$3B 2>t\ &♦ 1b. Xocbmattt D* ©♦ 



These Sermons and Addresses were published at 
the request of many of the friends and former par- 
ishioners of the venerable author. Dr. Lochman 
was pastor of Christ Lutheran Church for nearly 
half a century. During these years he preached 
many able and impressive sermons, some of which 
made a deep impression on his hearers, and have 
done much good. 

As these sermons are highly instructive and 
practical they will be useful to ministers as models 
of sermonizing, and especially to laymen, on 
account of the deep and fervent piety that per- 
vades them all. They may also serve a useful pur- 
pose to be read at home on Sunday by those who 
may be providentially prevented from attending 
the public preaching of the gospel. They are also 
well adapted to be read in church in lieu of a 
preached sermon in the absence of the pastor. 

In Dr. Lochman 's Sermons we offer you a book 
that is well worthy of your careful perusal. The 
author was a highly respected father in our church, 
having spent his life and labors for half a century 
in her service; the sermons are eminently prac- 
tical, pungent and spiritual, and will do good when 
faithfully read. 

The book contains an excellent portrait of the 
venerable Dr. Lochman. Bound in cloth, octavo, 
360 pages. Of 1900 copies printed, a few are left 
over unsold. The original price was $1.50. But 
we will now send it post free for 50 cents. 

Address P. AnstadT & Sons, York, Pa. 



Xutber'0 Smaller Gatecbtem. 

SECOND REVISED EDITION. 

Explained, analyzed, illustrated with appropriate 
anecdotes, proverbs and examples, drawn from 
Scripture, history, biography, nature, and remarks 
of distinguished persons, by P. Anstadt, D. D., 
editor Teachers^ Journal, Christian' s Guide, author 
of Bible Wine, Communion Addresses, Christian 
Catechism, etc., etc. 308 pages octavo. Price post 
paid $1.25. 

Rev. Treibly says, I have examined your Illus- 
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Dr. P. Born, Professor of Theology, Selinsgrove, 
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"I am pleased with your method, especially in 
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simplifies and aids in impressing and remembering 
the several points given under the respective 
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work. They give to abstract truths vividness and 
living forms. I hope the work will have an exten- 
sive circulation, for I think it is well calculated to 
do good." 

A young minister in Pennsylvania writes, "I 
value the Illustrated Catechism a hundred times 
more than its price. The book looks interesting 
throughout, and I am eager to make a thorough 
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Ministers or laymen who wish to have the work 
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Luther's Smaller Catechism. 

PICTORIAI, EDITION. 

With Explanations and Proof Texts. Designed 
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This is the most elegantly gotten up edition of 
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THE SEVEN~CALUMNIES. 

A controversy between Rev. P. Anstadt, D. D., 
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A Christian Catechism, 

designed for the use of 

Families, Sunday Schools, Theological 
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By Rev. P. Anstadt, D. D. 



[52 Pages, with Pictorial Illustrations, Family 
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This Catechism is somewhat different in its con- 
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_ I have given the Catechism a careful examina- 
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to the needs of the average catechumen 

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Prof. Homiletics in Theological Seminary, 
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This Catechism is distinguished from others by 
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in Gospel Echoes, Agusta, Ga. 



The BEST YET. — It has been our privilege to 
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by different houses and denominations, but if a 
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theological and Bible information, he need only 
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you will receive a copy by return mail. 

REV. G. W. CLINTON, 
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Communion Wine. 



Or the un fermented juice of the grape the most 
appropriate kind of wine for the lord's Supper. 
By Rev. P. Anstadt, D. D., York, Pa., pp. 79. 
Price 25 cents. # 

This is the title of a neatly printed book on a 
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among Christian temperance people. Many of 
them are at a loss to see how the duty of total 
abstinence, can be taught from the example of 
Christ on the basis of the so-called " one wine" 
theory, which insists that Christ made, and drank, 
intoxicating wine, and used it in the institution of 
the Holy Supper. The author has given an 
extended discussion of the subject of Bible Wines. 

We append a few extracts from letters received. 
" I take his method of thanking you for this 
timely and very able production. If I had not 
previously entertained similar views, I do not see 
how I could help becoming a convert. I hope and 
believe it will have this effect upon others." 

" I can not help expressing to you my gratitude 
and appreciation of your article on Communion 
Wine. It is the best and most conclusive I have 
ever read. I have for years abhorred the intoxi- 
cating cup commonly used on communion occa- 
sions, and yet could not see my way out of it." 

"My first and strong impulse is to thank you 
with all my heart for a discussion so scholarly, so 
fair and temperate, and so conclusive, of a ques- 
tion so vital. " 

Ever/ pastor, every Christian family, should 
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Short Communion Addresses. 



By Rev. P. Anstadt, D. D., Editor of the Teach- 
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Christian Catechism, etc., etc. ioo pages with 
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They are composed of the most solemn and im- 
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Communion Addresses is the title of a small 
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table of the Lord ? We think it would be well for 
the members of our churches to ponder the words 
of this book before coming to the Lord's table? 
Published by the author at York, Pa, Price 25 
cents . — Messiah ' s Herald. 



A joung minister writes: Communion Addresses 
received I am delighted with the lhtle book ; it 
supplies me with the needed suggestions. I shall 
now begin to make short talks If I had seen an 
advertisement of such a book, I would have sent 
for it immediately. 



Recognition in Heaven. 



The Future Recognition of Friends in Heaven. 
By Professor Henry Ziegler, D. D., together with 
the Requisites to Recognition, by Rev. P. Anstadt, 
D. D., also extracts from the writings of Harbaugh, 
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This is an elegantly gotten up book, neatly 
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Ascension of Christ, serves as a fronticepiece, with 
the inscription: H I go to prepare a place for you. 
I will come agaia and receive you to myself ; that 
where I am, ye may be also." John xiv. 2, 3. 

The reading of this book will be a source of con 
solation to many bereaved souls, whose friends 
have indeed not bee a lost by passing through the 
valley of the shadow of death, but have only gone 
before, to welcome their loved ones to that happy 
home, where God shall wipe all tears from their 
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We advise all who wish to study the proofs from 
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A HELP TO 

Family Worship. 



Or Short Forms of Morning and Evening Prayers, 
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But it is well known, that many pious Christians 
are not well qualified to lead in public worship. 
Some are diffident, or have not had the proper 
mental training, and have not command of appro- 
pi iate words to edify in social prayer. It is to such 
mainly that this book is to be a help. 

Let each person ask in silence beforehand for a 
collected frame of mind, and for the spirit of 
pra er, " Lord teach us to pray." Let this be the 
desire and prayer of each in kneeling before God. 
Nor let it ever be forgotten, that we have a great 
High Priest, through whom alone we have access 
to God, and that is the Spirit who helpeth our in- 
firmities 

In addition to the forms of prayers for morning 
and evening worship, the book also contains pray- 
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THE TEACHER'S CUSS BOOK 

for Sunday-schools. 

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quarter of the year there is a column for the names 
of teacher and scholars, followed by thirteen col- 
umt s, one for the record of each Sunday of the 
quarter. In each column the attendances of every 
scholar may be marked with a cross ix), followed 
by the amount of his contribution and the number 
of Scripture verses recited by him. The total at- 
tendance, offering and number' of verges learned 
each Sunday should be summed up at the foot of 
each column. 

The quarterly report mav be male by adding 
the figures from left to right for each scholar's at 
tendance, offerings and verses, and placing the 
results in the corresponding columns of the quar- 
terly report. Trans- fer these figures to the quar- 
terly columns in back of Jbook and add the results 
in the same way for the annunl repoit. 

The offering for each Sunday should be placed 
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book, and the total amount for each Sunday 
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convenience of the Sunday school treasurer. 

P. Anstadt & Sons, Publishers, York, Pa. 
Price 15 cents for single copy, $1.20 per dozen sent 
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(Sbrtet tbe flDobel preacber. 

A Baccalaureate Address delivered before the 
Graduating Class of the Missionary Institute, 
Selinsgrove, Pa., June 24, 1880. By Rev. P. Ans- 
tadt. 12 pages. Price 10 cents. York Pa. 



THE MODERN DANCE. 

Discussed by two distinguished divines — "A 
time to dance.' ' — Third edition. 16 pages, price 
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Publishers, York, Pa. 

This Discussion on Dancing has had a rapid 
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exhausted. As there are still calls for it, we now 
publish the third edition. To this we add an essay 
by Rev. C. P. Pentecost, D. D. 

Balls, or dances are frequently an annoyance to 
Christian parents and ministers. A French danc- 
ing-master comes to town and opens a dancing* 
school. Some of the " First Families" in town, 
occasionally also church members, send theii 
child en to acquire this " graceful accomplish- 
ment," to " learn good manners," and " get into 
genteel society." At the end of the quarter'* 
teaching there is a grand ball to wind up with. 
Many church members would like to know " whal 
harm there can be in this innocent amusement," 
and " why Christian people cannot be allowed t€ 
attend a respec able ball ? " 

These discussions, we think, will answer this 
question satisfactorily to every one who honestly 
dpcires to know what God's word teaches on this 
subject. 

bend 10 cents and receive by return mail one 
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Address P. ANSTADT & SONS, York, Pa. 

The Bible Mode of Baptism. 

This is the title of a closely printed, four pagi 
tract, containing the strongest arguments whicl 
can be produced that sprinkling is the Scripture 
Mode of Baptism. 

For sale at the office of P. Anstadt & Sons 
Price: 100 copies, $3.00; 50 copies, $1.75; 2«- 
copies, $1.00; single copy, 5 cents. 



UNFERMENTED WINE 

FOR SACRAMENTAL AND MEDICINAL PURPOSES. 

Many inquiries have been made by ministers and 
church officers, as to where they can procure the 
best unfermented wine for communion purposes. 
There are wine growers in different parts of the 
country who make it a business to prepare this 
kind of wine. 

The following items are taken from the circular 
of one of the oldest and most reliable establish- 
ments: 

It is so very rich in the properties of the grape 
that it can be diluted about one-third, if desired. 

It is so carefully prepared and so thoroughly 
clarified that there need be no fear of fermentation. 
Kven after being opened it will keep for a long 
time in an ordinary cellar. 

This Unfermented Wine is the pure juice of the 
grape. 

This, grape juice is from a very fine quality of 
Concord grapes, is carefully freed from all sedi- 
ment and is kept entirely in vessels of porcelain 
and glass; it retains the delicate aroma, delicious 
flavor and life properties of the grape. 

Why should Christian churches use the Wine of 
Commerce, mcst of which is adulterated with 
poisonous drugs, and often does not contain a drop 
of the fruit of the vine. We have been requested 
by one of the wine growers in Vineland, N. J., to 
act as agent for them in supplying churches with 
their Unfermented Wine. We are therefore pre- 
pared to supply it in any quantities desired. Sam- 
ples can be seen at our office at any time. Wher- 
ever it has been used it has given perfect satisfac- 
tion, and the congregations that have used it once, 
never want to use any other kind. 

prices: 
12 Full Quarts, . $10.00 I 12 Full Pints, . . $5.00 
J Full Quart, . . . 1. 00 | 1 Full Pint, . . . 50 
P. Anstadt & Sons, York, Pa. 



International Xesson System. 

Its alleged Defects and Excellencies. By P. 
Anstadt, D. D., Editor . of Teachers' Journal,. 
Christian's Guide, Author of Christian Catechism, 
Justification by Faith, Christ the Model Preacher, 
etc., etc. Printed in pamphlet form. Published 
by request of York County S. S. Convention. 
Price 10 cents. P. Anstadt & Sons, York, Pa. 

This add ess gives a brief history of the Primitive 
Sunday-school, fifty years ago ; the use of the 
Question books in the Sunday-school, thirty years 
ago, and then discusses the International Lesson 
System. The alleged objections are stated and 
answered. 

Mr. William Reynolds, of Peoria, 111., who has 
traveled over every State of the Union in the inter- 
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dress on the International Lesson Series that I 
have ever heard." He took one hundred copies 
himself. 

Send ten cents to P. Anstadt & Sons, York, Pa., 
and secure a copy by return mail, or twelve copies 
for one dollar. 



The Bible Catechism. 

For young people, being an introduction to the 
Christian Catechism. Prepared and edited by P. 
Anstadt, D. D. Illustrated with Scriptural Pic- 
tures. 32 pages, price 10 cents 

It contains thirteen pictures, illustrative of some 
of the most important events of Bible history in the 
Old and New Testament, which will make it at- 
tractive and instructive to young people. It will 
therefore be a very appropriate present from par- 
ents to their children. 

Send 10 cents and receive a copy by return mail,. 
or one dozen for $1.00. 

Address P. Anstadt & Sons, York, Pa. 



Christian 

Enbeavor 

Supplies- 

•-%-• 

We have been requested to act as agent for the 
Christian Endeavor supplies, including everything 
needed in conducting a C. E. Society, which will 
be sent on receipt of price, such as 
Music Books, music and words, 35 

Sample copies by mail, 40 

Words only, in quantities, by express, . 12 
" " by mail, .... 15 

Secretary's Membership Record and Minute 

Book, revised, 1 50 

Secretary's Roll Call Book, 35 

Systematic Record Book of Committees, . . 50 

(in lots of 5, 3s cents each. ) 
Treasurer's Book, with supplement for 

monthly offering account, 1 

Handy Record Book, for Lookout and Pray- 

ermeeting Committees, in sets of 5, 8 cents 

each, ... 10 

Record Lists, for Lookout and prayermeeting 

Committees, in lots of 5, 2 cents each, . 05 
Active members' Chapel Wall Pledge, 36x54, 

printed on linen, ready to hang on wall, 1 75 
Active Members' Chapel Wall Pledge, printed 

on heavy paper, 28x36, ready to hang on 

wall, ... 75 

Topic Cards, for one year, per 100, 1 00 

Daily Readings, for one year, per 100, ... 1 50 
C. E. CARDS. 

Application Blanks, per 100, 50 

Active Members' Pledge, per 100, ..... 50 

gilt, bevel edge, 

per ioo, ,».,,. 100 



Associate Memoers' rieuge, gm, oevel eage, 

per ioo, i oo 

Associate Members' Pledge, plain, per ico, . 50 

Lookout Committee Cards, per 100, .... 75 

Flower 4< " gilt, bevel edge, 

per 100 75 

Prayermeeting Committee Cards, per 100, . . 75 

Invitation Cards, per 100, 75 

Absentee " " " 50 

Monthly Offering Cards, per 100, 50 

Suggestions for Lookout Committee, } 

" " Pi ay ermeeting " 

" Social 

" " Missionary M 

" u Sunday-school " 

Temperance Committee Pledge Cards, per 100, 50 

Book, with 

room for 100 names, 03 

Active Members' Pledge, 10x12, plain, ... 10 

« giltj bevel 

edge card, 25 

Constitutions 02 



3 cts. In 
lot of 5, 2 
cts. each. 



SUNDAY SCHOOL TICKETS. 

Blue and Red, with Scripture verses. We have 
printed a large supply of these tickets. Price per 
sheet of 154 tickets, 12 cents. 



JUSTIP-THTO- FAITH. 
Its Nature and Effects. An Essay read at the 
York County Sunday School Conference, held at 
Jefferson, Pa., 1884. By Rev. P. Anstadt, D. D. 
22 pages. Price 10 cents. 

After the reading there was an interesting dis- 
cussion, a hearty approval of the Essay by the 
members of the Conference, and a request for its 
publication. 

Send 10 cents and receive a copy by mail. 

IP* Snsta&t & Sons, JSorfc, pa* 



popular %esson Iftelps 

— AND— 

SUNDAY=SCHOOL 

PERIODICALS. 



-••- 



THE TEACHERS; JOURNAL. Issued monthly, 
with 32 pages of copious explanatory notes on the 
International Lessons. Price 56 cts. a year. 

LESSON QUARTERLY, for advanced schol- 
ars. Issued quarterly — 32 pages, bound in cover. 
Price 12 cents a year. 

INTERMEDIATE LEAF. A separate leaf for 
every Sunday. Price 8 cents per year. 

PRIMARY LEAF. Is published monthly, 4 
pages — price 6 cents a year. 

OUR LITTLE FOLKS. A weekly lesson paper 
for the smaller children. 4 pages. Illustrated. 
Price 12 cents a year. 

CHRISTIAN'S GUIDE. Issued monthly. This 
is an 8-page, illustrated paper, designed for young 
and old. Price for single copy 25 cents a year ; for 
clubs of fi\e or more to one address at the rate of 
15 cents a year. Special attention is given to 
Christian Bndeavor Societies. The paper contains 
one column of Explanatory Notes for every Sun- 
day in the year. Samples sent free. Send all 
orders to 

IRev. fl>. Hnstafct & Sona, 

YORK, PA. 



